Cape Verdean folk music is a rich, soul-stirring genre born from a blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences that uniquely characterizes the Cape Verde archipelago's cultural heritage. It encompasses a variety of styles such as morna, which is often compared to the blues for its melancholic tones; coladeira, featuring a more upbeat and danceable rhythm; and funaná, known for its fast tempo and accordion-based melodies. Traditional instruments like the cavaquinho (a small lute), the violin, and the guitar are staples, with lyrics often weaving tales of longing (sodade), love, and life on the islands. This genre, embodied by artists such as Cesária Évora who is not mentioned in the given list but remains an essential reference, captures the essence of Cape Verde's history, its people's struggles, joys, and their diasporic connections to the wider world.
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