Lura
Past Performances
September 8, 2005
This unique artist and her ensemble combine the haunting style of the Cape Verdean morna and Portuguese fado with the more upbeat accordian-driven coladera and Brazilian flavor, as heard on the CD Di Korpu Ku Alma.
Watch this Performance
Additional Resources
Millennium Stage Home Page
Part of the Performing Arts for Everyone Initiative
About the Artist
Born in 1975 in Cape Verde, Lura burst onto the scene in 1996 when she performed with the Brazilian superstar Caetano Veloso. Her music is inspired by the styles of Santiago – the most African of the islands and the island on which her father was born. Sensual and sexy, the music is rooted in styles such as batuku and funana. At the age of 17, Lura was a dancer in Lisbon when she was approached by Juka, an African zouk musician from Sao Tome and Principe, who asked her to appear on his newest album. Originally asked to sing backup vocals, she instead performed a duet and discovered her voice. She has now toured worldwide, including a 2003 appearance at the Women of Cabo Verde show in the UK and performances at the prestigious Palais des Congrés during the 39th Midem World’s Music Market in Cannes, France. She also performed at the World Conference on Cabo Verdi in Washington, DC in April 2005 and the Womad Festival in July 2005.
