Nancy Vieira, Gente Review

by J. Pepper

Nancy Vieira’s latest album, Gente, is a collection of songs brought to life by her dynamic vocals. Each of the fourteen songs is intricately woven with cultural narratives, personal history, and musical exploration. Born amidst the transformative period of Cape Verde’s independence, Vieira’s upbringing was infused with rich sounds and an innate sense of identity, deeply influenced by her father’s dual legacy as a musician and political figure. This foundation has allowed her to craft an album that becomes a conduit for storytelling and a bridge between diverse musical traditions.

The grounding force on Gente is the concept of “morabeza,” a term encapsulating the unique warmth and hospitality of Cape Verde. With her crystal-clear voice, Vieira embodies this ethos, offering listeners an invitation into her world. The album celebrates Cape Verdean culture, yet its scope extends far beyond, encapsulating influences from Lisbon’s fado to the rhythmic complexities of Africa and the melodic nuances of Brazil. This melding of sounds is not just a testament to Vieira’s journey from Bissau to Lisbon but also a reflection of a globalized identity that remains deeply rooted in its origins.

The opening track, “Sol Di Nha Vida,” sets the tone for the album with its vibrant fusion of funaná and samba rhythms. Composer Mário Lúcio, a key figure in Cape Verdean music, crafts a melody that captures the energy of life under the Cape Verdean sun and an exploration of musical hybridity. This theme of cross-cultural exchange is further developed in collaboration with Remna Schwarz on “Singa,” a track that exemplifies the seamless integration of diverse musical elements to create a sound that is at once new and deeply familiar.

The production of Gente is a collaborative effort that speaks to the communal essence of music-making. Vieira and a diverse group of musicians and producers have created an album rich in texture and depth, including artists such as Iuri Oliveira and Vaiss Dias, which enriches the album’s sound and highlights the interconnectedness of the global music community.

Beyond its excellent singing, Gente is a profound statement on identity and belonging. Tracks like “Amor” and “Fado Crioulo” delve into the complexities of love and displacement, weaving the personal with the political. The latter stands out as a fusion of fado and Cape Verdean styles, a poignant meditation on longing and the shared experiences of the Portuguese-speaking world.

Nancy Vieira’s Gente brings the warm sounds of Cape Verdean culture, balancing the preservation of musical heritage with innovation by reflecting Vieira’s identity as a bridge between worlds. Through her exquisite vocals and the album’s rich musical arrangements, Gente is, ultimately, a celebration of humanity, a mosaic of stories and sounds that resonate with listeners across the globe, making it a standout work in the world music genre.