Cape Verde President Honors Dino D’Santiago’s Latin Grammy
Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves has extended his congratulations to musician Dino D’Santiago following his historic win at the Latin Grammy Awards. The artist was honored for his collaborative project with Brazilian musicians Criolo and Amaro Freitas, a win the President described as a landmark moment for the nation.
A ‘Reference for the Creole Nation’
In a celebratory social media post, President Neves praised D’Santiago—who served on the honorary committee for his presidential campaign—for his role in elevating the country’s cultural profile. “He is making history, projecting Cape Verde to the world, and distinguishing himself as a reference for this Creole nation,” Neves wrote.
The timing of the accolade coincides with a significant political moment for the President, who is currently seeking a second term in the archipelago’s national elections this Sunday.
Celebrating Lusophone Unity
The award-winning album, titled Criolo, Amaro & Dino, took home the trophy for Best Brazilian Popular Music/Afro-Portuguese-Brazilian Music Album. The project serves as a sonic bridge between Portugal and Brazil, blending the distinct perspectives of the three artists who recorded sessions across Rio de Janeiro, Recife, São Paulo, and Lisbon.
During his acceptance speech in the United States, D’Santiago, who is of Cape Verdean descent, emphasized the cultural ties that bind the Portuguese-speaking world. “Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Portugal—thank you to this Portuguese language for making us a unique people,” he told the audience.
From ‘Esperança’ to Grammy Gold
The seeds of this successful collaboration were sown in 2024 with the release of the single “Esperança.” That track, produced alongside Brazilian producer Nave, earned D’Santiago his first Latin Grammy nomination in 2024, setting the stage for the full-length album’s eventual triumph.
Critics describe the record as a unique fusion of sound and language, born from the shared creative energy of three artists at the forefront of the modern Lusophone music scene.
Image: Pexels – Federico Abis
