Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Cesária Évora (27 August 1941 – 17 December 2011), commonly known as Cize, was a celebrated Cape Verdean singer-songwriter. She gained international recognition and acclaim, receiving a Grammy Award in 2004 for her album “Voz d’Amor.” Notably, she performed barefoot, earning the moniker “Barefoot Diva,” and was also revered as the “Queen of Morna,” a traditional Cape Verdean musical genre.
Early Life
Cesária Évora was born on August 27, 1941, in Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde. Tragedy struck her family when her father, Justino da Cruz Évora, a part-time musician, passed away when she was just seven years old. Due to economic constraints and the inability of her mother, Dona Joana, to care for all six children, Cesária was placed in an orphanage at the age of ten. Her musical journey began at 16 when a friend encouraged her to sing at a sailors’ tavern.
She grew up in a house in Mindelo that served as a hub for various Cape Verdean singers between the 1940s and 1970s, including luminaries like Djô d’Eloy, Bana, Eddy Moreno, Luis Morais, and Manuel de Novas. It was in this environment that she received her musical education.
Musical Career
During the 1960s, she started performing on Portuguese cruise ships that docked in Mindelo, as well as on local radio. Her breakthrough came in 1985 when she was invited by fellow Cape Verdean singer Bana to perform in Portugal. It was in Lisbon that she caught the attention of producer José da Silva, who invited her to record in Paris. Évora gained wider recognition through her unique musical style and emotional performances.
One of her notable contributions was recording the track “Ausência,” composed by Yugoslav musician Goran Bregovic. This track was featured as the second song on the soundtrack of Emir Kusturica’s film “Underground” (1995).
Awards and Honors
Évora’s achievements were duly recognized with the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry from Portugal on 31 May 1999.
Death
On 17 December 2011, at the age of 70, Cesária Évora passed away in São Vicente, Cape Verde, due to respiratory failure and hypertension. Notably, just 36 hours before her death, she was still welcoming people into her home in Mindelo, where she was known for her open-door policy and was even seen smoking.
Cesária Évora’s music and legacy continue to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music, especially within the Cape Verdean and global music scenes.
On 27 August 2019, a Google Doodle was created to celebrate Cesária Évora’s 78th Birthday.