Kriol Jazz Festival 2026: A Global Hit in Cape Verde
The 15th edition of the Kriol Jazz Festival concluded this Saturday in Praia, cementing its reputation as one of Cape Verde’s most prestigious international cultural events. After three days of vibrant performances and a diverse global lineup, organizers have hailed the 2026 festival as a resounding success.
A Global Soundstage in Praia
The festival showcased nine performances featuring artists from nine different nationalities across four continents. According to artistic director and producer José ‘Djô’ da Silva, the event achieved its primary mission: bridging cultural gaps through music.
“The outcome is positive precisely because the audience enjoyed it,” da Silva told Rádio de Cabo Verde (RCV). “There was a satisfactory level of participation, with people discovering different genres. There was a lot of joy, with people dancing and truly participating in the festival. Kriol Jazz plays this vital role of uncovering different cultures.”
Highlights and Headliners
The festival kicked off with the “Entre Ilhas” (Between Islands) project, a unique musical collaboration between the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. The energy continued to build with performances by local star Ceuzany, acclaimed Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodríguez, and Brazilian sensation Margareth Menezes. The legendary Congolese group Les Quatre Étoiles du Zaire also graced the stage, bringing the sounds of Central Africa to the archipelago.
The final night delivered a powerful finale with a diverse roster including:
- Fattû Diakité: Representing the shared heritage of Cape Verde and Guinea.
- Ismaël Lô: The renowned Senegalese singer-songwriter.
- Brooklyn Funk Essentials: Bringing American jazz-funk fusion to the Atlantic.
- Saad Tiouly: Showcasing the traditional and contemporary sounds of Morocco.
Celebrating a Legend
Beyond the international acts, the 15th edition took a moment to honor local excellence. The festival paid a special tribute to Zeca de Nha Reinalda, the iconic lead singer of the group Bulimundo, celebrating his influential 50-year career in the Cape Verdean music scene.
With an estimated budget of 23 million escudos (approximately €209,000), the Kriol Jazz Festival served as the grand finale to a week of industry activity. It followed the Atlantic Music Expo (AME), which saw music professionals and emerging talents gather in the heart of Praia to network and showcase new projects.
Image: Pexels – Chevanon Photography
