Solange Cesarovna

Solange Cesarovna is one of Cape Verdean music’s most influential and charismatic voices. A singer, songwriter, and composer acclaimed by critics as the Queen of Morna of the 21st century, Solange is an exceptional performer, a passionate advocate for copyright, and an ambassador for her country’s rich culture. With a stage presence that radiates energy and passion, she turns every performance into an unforgettable moment, touching the souls of all who listen to her.

From a very young age, Solange’s talent was undeniable. At the age of 7, she won her first prize at the “Festival de Pequenos Cantores” on her island, São Vicente, Cape Verde, and by the age of 8, she was already representing her country at international festivals. This early start was just the beginning of an extraordinary career built with determination, dedication, and a deep connection to her roots.

At 18, her thirst for knowledge took her to Brazil, where she earned a degree in Social Communication specializing in Cinematic Arts. At the same time, she attended the prestigious Villa Lobos Music School, where she refined her natural talent for classical and lyrical singing. This international experience broadened her horizons, enriching her repertoire and strengthening her mission to share Cape Verdean culture.

In 2008, Solange recorded her first album in Los Angeles at a legendary studio that had welcomed some of the greatest names in global music. This album, titled “Solange Cesarovna,” marked the beginning of a new phase in her artistic journey, blending tradition and innovation and breathing life into musical genres such as Morna, Coladeira, and Funaná. Each track is a tribute to the musical heritage of Cape Verde while also affirming her unique identity as an artist.

But Solange is much more than a talented artist. She is a woman of causes, ready to use her art to promote positive change. In 2013, she co-founded the Cape Verdean Music Society (SCM), an organization that, under her leadership, transformed the landscape of copyright in Cape Verde. For the first time, Cape Verdean musicians, authors, and composers began receiving their rightful payments, a historic achievement that deeply impacted the lives of countless creators.

The release of the album “Mornas,” a tribute to the great poet and composer Eugénio Tavares, was a milestone in her career in 2017. This work, dedicated to preserving Cape Verdean culture, played a crucial role in Morna’s successful candidacy as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a recognition officially granted in December 2019. Solange’s sweet and powerful voice embodied this musical genre, breathing new life into it and projecting it into the future.

Solange has been consistently recognized throughout her career for her work and dedication. In 2021, she was named one of the 100 most influential personalities in Lusophone Africa and, in the same year, one of the 100 Most Influential Black Personalities in Lusophony. In 2023, she was awarded the Exceptional Achievement Prize by Fair Trade Music International for her transformative impact on Cape Verde’s music industry.

In 2024, Solange is preparing for a new chapter in her career after completing a remarkable tenure as president of SCM. With the same energy and enthusiasm that has always defined her, she is developing innovative musical projects that promise to move and inspire. With an unwavering creative spirit, Solange continues to show the world that music knows no boundaries and that through art, it is possible to build bridges, promote understanding, and touch hearts.

In addition to her musical achievements, Solange serves as the Vice President of the African Music Academy. She is the first CLIP Champion of WIPO For Creators, reaffirming her commitment to advocating for creators’ rights and promoting African music worldwide.