Carmen Souza is taking Port'Inglês on a tour around France in March 2026!
With Port’Inglês, Carmen Souza presents one of her most conceptually rich and personal works to date. The album explores the historical and cultural impact of the British presence in Cape Verde, weaving together untold stories of migration, resistance, identity and exchange across the Atlantic.
Drawing from extensive academic research developed during her master’s studies, Souza transforms historical narratives into a powerful musical suite. Each composition reflects a chapter of Cape Verdean history, reimagined through sound, rhythm and voice. Rather than recounting history as a static past, Port’Inglês brings it to life — emotional, embodied and resonant.
Musically, the album expands Souza’s distinctive Afro-jazz language, fusing jazz improvisation with traditional Cape Verdean rhythms such as morna, funaná, coladeira and mazurka. Her expressive vocals — sung primarily in Cape Verdean Creole — move fluidly between intimacy and strength, supported by sophisticated arrangements and a deep sense of groove and freedom.
Port’Inglês is both a musical journey and an act of cultural memory. It reflects Carmen Souza’s ongoing commitment to using music as a space for storytelling, dialogue and empowerment, affirming jazz as a universal language capable of holding history, identity and imagination in the same breath.
Amazingly accomplished, fresh and exciting, as if it were a newfound revelation.” — Songlines on Port’Inglês.
“Her voice gets under your skin, taking listeners on an intensely empathetic journey into the past.” — Jazzpodium on the emotional impact of the music.
“Nothing is reinvented here, but everything sounds fresh and full of surprises.” — Folker’s praise of the album’s vibrant sound.
"Jazz waltzes freedom with traditional Cape Verdean rhythms like funaná, morna and mazurka.” — overview of the diverse musical tapestry of the album. (Women in Jazz media-UK)
“She narrates the encounters between two cultures and their enduring imprint… a deeply personal and musically enriching odyssey.” — Paris-Move review on the fusion of history and sound.
"Celebrating identity, resistance and connection — Port’Inglês is a musical journey between Cape Verde and the UK. " (World Music central-US)
"From master’s research to captivating soundscapes — Carmen Souza’s most personal album yet" (Expresso - PT)
MORE DETAILS: DATES
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