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With a powerful voice that shifts effortlessly from delicate highs to rich, emotional lows, Cape Verdean singer Ceuzany is emerging as one of her country’s most celebrated musical talents, using her songs to preserve tradition while addressing pressing social issues.
Performing barefoot before an emotional crowd in Mindelo on the island of São Vicente, the 35-year-old singer recently moved audiences with the title track from her fourth album, a powerful anthem against domestic violence.
“Enough! We’re calling it quits, go your own way, I am happy without you,” members of the audience sang along as Ceuzany fought back tears during the performance.
The song has become a symbol of empowerment for many women in Cape Verde, reflecting the singer’s own experience of escaping an abusive relationship. “I’ve been through it,” Ceuzany told media. “I gathered the strength to leave a toxic relationship.”
She said she hopes the song encourages other women to reclaim their independence and dignity.
“I believe women deserve to be treated like queens. If I managed to leave a toxic relationship, you can do it too,” she said.
Born as Ceuzany Pires, the singer began performing at the age of 12 after entering a local singing competition.
She credits her grandmother, who dreamed of becoming a professional artist but was discouraged by her family, for inspiring her lifelong passion for music.
“My grandmother was always singing at home, and that’s where my love for music began,” she said.
Ceuzany’s latest album blends traditional Cape Verdean sounds with contemporary influences, combining instruments such as the cavaquinho, saxophone and percussion with jazz, slam poetry and modern rhythms.
Her producer, José da Silva, who also worked with the legendary Cesária Évora, describes Ceuzany as one of the late icon’s natural successors.
“Ceuzany is one of Cesária Évora’s heirs. She is an outstanding morna singer but is equally comfortable blending traditional music with rap and urban styles,” he said.
Ceuzany is also a member of the Cesária Évora Orchestra, which continues to perform worldwide in honour of the “Barefoot Diva,” who introduced Cape Verdean music to international audiences before her death in 2011. Her songs explore themes ranging from love and everyday life in Mindelo to social challenges such as drug addiction and domestic abuse.
The singer’s growing international profile received a major boost in 2022 when French artist Christophe Maé invited her to record the song Le Pays des merveilles (“Wonderland”), celebrating Cape Verde’s culture and beauty. She later joined Maé on a 40-date concert tour across France in 2024.
Earlier this year, Ceuzany won the Traditional Music of the Year award at the Cape Verde Music Awards, further cementing her place among the country’s leading artists. Looking ahead, she says her ambition is simple.
“I want to record more music, release more albums, take Cape Verde further into the world and continue singing for my people,” she said.