The African Rock 'n' Roll Years - Lusophone

The Portuguese colonisers who ruled over Angola, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde, left behind them a group of countries cut off from neighbouring states for the simple reason that their common language was Portuguese and not French or English. They have developed their distinctive styles, from the high-energy music of Angola to the sad-edged blues and European-influenced morna ballads of the Cape Verde islands, which have made Cesaria Evora an international diva. Despite the scars left by the wars fought to rid themselves of their former colonial masters, some musicians look to Lisbon for inspiration, with Guinea Bissau's guitarist Manecas Costa working with the fado star Mariza. Featuring Cesaria Evora, Manecas Costa, Mariza, Bonga (from Angola) and Mabulu (from Mozambique).