Jorge Barbosa: An Outstanding Poet of Cape Verdean Literature
Considered one of the pillars of modern Cape Verdean poetry, Jorge Barbosa, pseudonym of Jorge Veracruz Barbosa, was a Cape Verdean poet and writer born in 1902 in Praia, on the island of Santiago.
This writer’s works stand out for their depth of feeling, rich vocabulary and exploration of universal themes such as love, longing, social status, identity, Cape Verdean culture and the relationship with the sea.
As for the style of his works, Barbosa wrote lyrical and narrative poetry, marked by musicality, simplicity and the use of colloquial language.
His most notable works are: Arquipélago (1947): Collection of poems that marks the beginning of his literary career; Ronda (1953): Second book of poems, with a strong presence of the theme of the sea; O Cais da Saudade (1962): Poems dealing with nostalgia for his homeland and his condition as an immigrant; and The Third Phase (1968): Reflections on life, death and the meaning of existence.
As for awards, Jorge Barbosa won the Eugénio de Castro Prize (1963) for his book “O Cais da Saudade”.
Regarding the importance of his works, it is important to say that he is one of the main names in modern Cape Verdean poetry. His work has influenced and still influences generations of Cape Verdean writers and beyond, and has largely contributed to the affirmation of Cape Verdean literature on the international stage.
As a curiosity, his works have already been translated into Spanish and can be found on sale in the Canary Islands and also in Portugal.
Recognized for his authentic voice and ability to express the feelings of the Cape Verdean people, Jorge Barbosa’s works leave a legacy that continues to be widely read and appreciated in Cape Verde. Considered a cultural heritage of the Cape Verdean nation, his name is given to the country’s streets, avenues, national auditorium, banknotes and libraries.
And recently a bust and a ramp were inaugurated in his honour in front of the Ministry of Finance (the place where he once lived) by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Olavo Correia, who said at the time that “it is an obligation to pay tribute to, recognize and value Jorge Barbosa and the poets of Cape Verde”.
According to Olavo Correia, “the tribute is more than a tribute, it is a recognition of the inestimable value of Cape Verdean culture. And it is also, according to him, an obligation to recognize and value our culture. Because only those with a past, a history and, above all, those who know how to value their history and culture have a future,” he said.
Marked by their depth, beauty and commitment to social reality, Jorge Barbosa’s works continue to inspire readers and writers to this day.
