Welcome to Min-On’s Music Journey! Today, the Min-On Concert Association and the Ministry of Culture and Creative Industries of Cabo Verde are pleased to take you to the Republic of Cabo Verde, an island nation located off the western coast of Africa.
Cabo Verde is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands and eight small islands, with a total area of approximately 4,033 km². The Cabo Verde archipelago was uninhabited until around the 15th century, when it became a Portuguese colony, and eventually gained its independence in 1975.
| Travel guide for Cabo Verde
Day 1: Explore Cabo Verde’s food culture in the capital of Praia Day 2: Enjoy the traditional Morna melodies on the island of Boa Vista Day 3: Interact with lemon sharks on the island of Sal Day 4: Take part in the Festival de Baía das Gatas |
On this journey, we will explore Cabo Verde’s most iconic islands accompanied by music.
Day 1: Santiago and the capital city of Praia
Our journey begins landing at Praia International Airport – Nelson Mandela – named after Nelson Mandela, an iconic figure in the human rights movement – which serves as a gateway to the largest island in Cabo Verde, Santiago.
The capital of Praia, where the airport is located, is the political, economic and cultural center of the country, home to approximately 150,000 people, or roughly one-quarter of the country’s population. The city’s historic center, Plateau, retains many colonial-style buildings, and visitors can enjoy strolling through its colorful and vibrant streets.
| Accordion-based dance music “Funaná”
Funaná is a musical genre believed to have roots in Santiago. Its most distinctive feature is fast-paced rhythms created by the accordion and the scraped iron bar instrument called the ferrinho. Below we invite you to listen to “Carne Salgado” by the legendary Funaná band Ferro Gaita. Its lively, upbeat rhythm will make you want to get up and dance, elevating the mood of your journey. |
World Heritage Site Cidade Velha
Located 15 kilometers west of Praia, Cidade Velha is the former capital of Cabo Verde. As the first European colony built in the tropics, it was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2009 due to its historical significance.
Highlights include the ruins of the oldest church in West Africa and the São Filipe Royal Fortress, which was built in 1590.
Food culture of Cabo Verde
In Praia, enjoy dining at a wide variety of establishments, from stylish cafes and restaurants to local markets rooted in everyday life. The national dish of Cabo Verde is cachupa, a hearty stew made with vegetables, beans and meat or fish. For dessert, we recommend trying doce, a sweet coconut-based pastry available at the markets.
| Cabo Verdean singer Elida Almeida to perform in Japan
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cabo Verde and Japan. In November, to commemorate this special occasion, Min-On will host its first-ever cultural exchange with the country by inviting Elida Almeida, one of the leading voices in the African pop music scene, for a highly anticipated performance in Japan.
The path that Elida Almeida took on her journey to becoming an iconic singer has been anything but easy. She grew up in difficult living conditions from a young age, and after becoming a single mother in her teens, she continued to juggle her studies and work while raising young children. She finally received her big break with the release of her debut album “Ora Doci Ora Margos” in 2014, which instantly attracted national and international acclaim. Her soulful voice is imbued with the strength to overcome adversity and show compassion for others. Don’t miss a moving performance by this songstress who now shines on the world stage! |
Day 2: Boa Vista
A 45-minute flight north from Praia takes visitors to Sal Rei, the capital of Boa Vista. Boa Vista is a paradise of white sandy beaches stretching for over 55 kilometers alongside turquoise blue waters.
There are many beautiful natural attractions here, including Viana Desert and Atalanta Beach, that will transport you to another world.
| Morna, a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage
On Boa Vista, as the sun sets, the sounds of Morna echo across the island. Morna is a traditional music genre from Cabo Verde, known for its gentle rhythm and melancholic melodies. Born against the backdrop of the oppressive colonial era, today, Morna music is often founded on themes of family and homeland. Below we invite you to listen to “Petit Pays” by Cesária Évora, who helped popularize Morna around the world. |
Day 3: Sal
Heading north from Boa Vista by boat takes visitors to the island of Sal. Sal also has an international airport and is accessible from Boa Vista by a 15-minute flight.
The island’s name is derived from the Portuguese word for salt (sal), and as the name implies, the island once boasted a thriving salt industry. Here enjoy a unique charm surrounded by beautiful beaches, warm and clear waters, and coral reefs.
| Coladeira, a dance music genre that evolved from Morna
Coladeira dance music evolved from Morna, and is characterized by a faster tempo and a distinctive two-beat rhythm. Coladeira, which blends the melancholic melodies of Morna with upbeat rhythms, is a perfect match for the beautiful beaches of Cabo Verde. |
Visitors to the island of Sal are welcomed by diverse ocean creatures such as sea turtles and lemon sharks. The island also offers rare and stunning sights, including the shimmering Blue Eye Cave and the Pedra de Lume salt flats.
Day 4: São Vicente and Mindelo, the second-largest city in Cabo Verde
A 45-minute flight west from Sal lies the island of São Vicente, home to the country’s second-largest city, Mindelo. Known as the cultural capital, São Vicente serves as a hub of music and arts, with numerous music festivals and art events held in the vibrant city center of Mindelo.
In the northeastern area of Baía das Gatas, a large-scale music festival is held every year on the weekend of the full moon in August. This music event has a history spanning over 40 years, and has garnered a great deal of international attention – earning it the nickname “the Woodstock of Africa” and drawing large numbers of tourists from Europe and the United States.
| “Sayko Dayo,” a song born from the unexpected connection between Cabo Verde and Japan
In the 1960s, many Japanese tuna fishing boats docked at the Port of Mindelo, sparking cultural exchange. The people of Mindelo welcomed the Japanese crew members with open arms and eventually came to call them “sayko” (meaning “the best” in Japanese). From there, the song “Sayko Dayo” was born, which remains a popular tune with many locals today. |
| Cabo Verde’s National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (Friday, October 10)
At Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, various countries and regions from around the world each take center stage to host their own “National Day,” where they showcase traditional arts, unique cultures, cuisine and more.
Cabo Verde’s National Day is on Friday, October 10. This could be a wonderful opportunity to directly experience the music and culture you’ve encountered on this journey. If you plan to visit the Expo in autumn, be sure to check out Cabo Verde’s National Day celebration! Date: Friday, October 10, 2025 |
In closing, we invite you to enjoy some performances by musicians recommended by the Ministry of Culture and Creative Industries of Cabo Verde.
“Nha Rabujenta” – Assol Garcia
“Dança Ma Mi Criola” (Composed by Toy Vieira) – Tito Paris
“Bai Ta Pupa” – Ferro Gaita
What did you think of your music journey to Cabo Verde? There are still many more places to go! Please look forward to our next destination.
(Produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Industries of Cabo Verde, who also provided photos.)
Min-On Concert Association
-Music Binds Our Hearts-