Caboverdeanos d'Angola
Cesária Évora
A Heartfelt Ode to Cape Verdean Migrants in Angola
Cesaria Evora's song "Caboverdeanos d'Angola" is a poignant tribute to the Cape Verdean community living in Angola. The lyrics, sung in Cape Verdean Creole, reflect a deep sense of longing and nostalgia for the homeland. The repeated lines, "Kabuverdianus, bosês pô koraja" (Cape Verdeans, take courage), serve as a comforting reminder to the migrants to stay strong and hopeful despite the hardships they face far from home. The mention of Mindelo, a city in Cape Verde, underscores the emotional connection and the unbreakable bond with their roots.
The song also invokes spiritual solace, calling upon God and the Virgin Mary to provide comfort and strength to the Cape Verdean diaspora. This spiritual element highlights the importance of faith in the lives of the migrants, offering them a sense of hope and reassurance that one day they will return to their homeland. The repeated plea to "Nhor Deus" (Our Lord) and "Nha Virja Maria" (Our Virgin Mary) emphasizes the reliance on divine intervention to endure the separation and suffering.
Additionally, the song appeals to Saint Vincent, the patron saint of the island of São Vicente, to protect and bring salvation to those who have migrated to Angola. This invocation of a local saint reflects the cultural and religious traditions of Cape Verde, reinforcing the community's identity and unity even in a foreign land. The song is a beautiful blend of cultural pride, spiritual faith, and emotional resilience, capturing the essence of the Cape Verdean experience in Angola.