Tracklist:

Cabo Verde Band - Bo Terra Cabo Verde

Americo Brito & Djarama - Rapaz Novo E Malandro

Cabo Verde Show - Terra Longe

Elisio Vieira - Tchon Di Somada

Vlu - Rua D'Lisboa

Galaxia 2000 - Coracao Dum Criola

Mendes & Mendes - Mitamiyo

Danny Carvalho - Roncanbai

Mendes & Mendes - Walkman

Jose Casimiro - La Mamai Ta Bem

Elisio Vieira - Bem Di Fora

Zeca & Zeze Di Nha Reinalda - Mocinhos

025 Repress… Wonderful mix of Cape Verdean gems.

Arp Frique returns with this comp assembled with the help and knowledge of Americo Brito, there is a very special story behind it. Americo Brito, who
features on Arp Frique’s original Nos Magia, is a proud and important member of the Cape Verdean community in Rotterdam. His story reveals the historical connections between radio, vinyl, Cabo Verde and Rotterdam’s international music scene in the 70s and 80s.

Cape Verdean insiders say “we export all they have to other countries, only to import it back again”. After migrating all over the world, mainly to cities with big harbours, like New York, Boston and Rotterdam (Holland). Rotterdam became one of the main destinations (next to Portugal) on the European mainland. When Americo, like many of his friends and relatives moved to Rotterdam, he quickly became infected with the music virus. Surrounded on a daily basis by Cape Verdean music in Portuguese pensions and small hotels, this was where sailors ingested a dose of “sodade” through the interpretations of their beloved music by the local artists - Interestingly, Americo didn’t stick to performing and recording music. “There was this spot in Rotterdam where all foreign radio stations were housed, all these different nationalities together, Surinam, Cape Verdean, Hindustani… Guy Ramos and some of my other friends made radio in the 80s there...

This comp unveils some of these songs: dancefloor hits and beloved radio gems known in the Cape Verdean scene by younger and older generations alike, and so far undiscovered by a “bigger” audience. The compilation showcases the worldly view of Cape Verdean music, incorporating knowledge from their travels in their compositions. It ranges from the obvious funana and coladeira, to the more unexpected influences of deep disco, new wave, uptempo reggae, jazz-funk and Brazilian pop music; demonstrating just the tip of the iceberg.