Elida Almeida

Cape Verdean artist Elida Almeida returns with her sixth album, “Spedju“.

Winner of the RFI Discovery Prize in 2015, Elida Almeida was born on the island of Santiago. She developed her vocal technique through the simplicity of church hymns, and later deepened her musical knowledge by hosting a show on Maio’s local radio, where she grew up after her father’s passing, supporting her mother, a street vendor. A strong advocate for access to education, Elida left her rural roots to write songs filled with love and humanity.

Her fresh and warm voice quickly gained recognition, one of her early compositions, Nta Konsigui, was featured in the opening credits of the popular Portuguese TV series A Única Mulher. If the expression “born with a silver spoon” exists, it certainly did not apply to her: Elida has built her path with remarkable grace and determination.

Her debut album, Ora Doci Ora Margos (2014), which has reached over 2.7 million views on YouTube, captivated audiences with its warmth and expressive power. She soon established herself on the world music scene, performing across Europe, Africa, and North America.

Her second album, Kebrada (2017), named after her childhood village, affirms her African identity while infusing Cape Verdean rhythms, batuque, funaná, coladeira, and tabanka, with a vibrant Latin energy.

With her third album, Gerasonobu (2020), Elida Almeida delivered delicate and deeply moving compositions, expressing her desire to become a voice for her “small country, Cape Verde.”

Eight years after her debut, she reflects on her journey with her fifth album, Dilonji: “I come from far away, from a country that, only a few decades ago, wasn’t even on the map… I come from the heart of Santiago Island, from a deeply rural area where most people never leave. And yet, I have traveled to over 50 countries, received numerous awards, and my music has reached audiences across four continents.”

An extraordinary journey shaped by talent and perseverance, Elida remains deeply connected to her roots and the figures who inspired her — paying tribute to them with tenderness through her music, like a finely crafted and intimate string of pearls.