Rosinha

The song 'Rosinha' by Jorge Neto, a well-known artist in the genre of Cape Verdean music, particularly Zouk and Coladeira, tells a story of love and commitment with a playful undertone. The lyrics revolve around a character who is being asked to communicate a message to Rosinha, a woman whom someone desires to marry. The repeated lines suggest a sense of urgency and decision-making regarding marriage. The protagonist is willing to marry Rosinha if she desires, but there is also an implication that if she waits too long, he might marry someone else.

The chorus, which mentions that their wedding will only happen 'na boita d'ano' (in the year of the leap), adds a layer of complexity. This could imply that the commitment is not as urgent or serious as it seems, as leap years only occur every four years. It might also suggest that the protagonist is not in a hurry to settle down, or that he is teasing Rosinha about the rarity of such a commitment. The song uses this metaphor to play with the idea of time and readiness in the context of marriage.

Culturally, the song reflects the social norms and expectations surrounding marriage in Cape Verdean society. It highlights the importance of formalizing relationships through marriage and the social pressures that come with it. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a playful take on the subject, while still addressing the significant life decision of marriage and the hesitations one might have about it.