Arp Frique - Radio Verde (Compiled by Arp Frique & Americo Brito) '2019

Tracks list

Arp Frique returns with a brand new release on his imprint Colorful World
Records in collaboration with Rush Hour. A compilation of 12 Cape Verdean gems
assembled with the help and knowledge of Americo Brito, there is a very special
story behind it. Americo Brito, who features on Arp Frique’s original Nos
Magia, is a proud and important member of the Cape Verdean community in
Rotterdam. His story reveals the historical connections between radio, vinyl,
Cabo Verde and Rotterdam’s international music scene in the 70s and 80s.

Cape Verdean insiders say “we export all they have to other countries,
only to import it back again”. Cape Verdeans have migrated all over the
world, mainly to cities with big harbours, like New York, Boston and Rotterdam
(Holland). Rotterdam became one of the main destinations

(next to Portugal) on the European mainland. When Americo, like many of his
friends and relatives moved to Rotterdam, he quickly became infected with the
music virus. Surrounded on a daily basis by Cape Verdean music in Portuguese
pensions and small hotels, this was where sailors ingested a dose of
“sodade” through the interpretations of their beloved music by the
local Cape Verdean artists. Americo took to the stage with his band Djarama in
the 70s and 80s.

The live music scene was buzzing and the Cape Verdean community had their own
infrastructure for arranging shows, often in nightclubs where the band had to
bring their own soundsystem. Interestingly, Americo didn’t stick to
performing and recording music. He found another way to help spread the Cape
Verdean magical secret of music across Rotterdam, Holland and beyond:
“There was this spot in Rotterdam where all foreign radio stations were
housed, all these different nationalities together, Surinam, Cape Verdean,
Hindustani…Guy Ramos and some of my other friends made radio in the 80s
there. I got involved in their radio activities. Later on I started to work as a
technician and eventually as producer and radio DJ for “Radio Voz De Cabo
Verde”. Radio became bigger and there were around 4 different Cape Verdean
stations active at one point in Rotterdam. instrumental in the development of
this was the attic of a Dutch friend, where “Radio Babalu” came to
life. Radio has always held a special place in my heart.” Americo’s
music collection stems from this era, also aided by his many travels across
Europe to cities with Cape Verdean communities.

Alongside Rotterdam local, Arp Frique, Americo unveils some of these songs:
dancefloor hits and beloved radio gems known in the Cape Verdean scene by
younger and older generations alike, and so far undiscovered by a
“bigger” audience. The compilation showcases the worldly view of
Cape Verdean music, incorporating knowledge from their travels in their
compositions. It ranges from the obvious funana and coladeira, to the more
unexpected influences of deep disco, new wave, uptempo reggae, jazz-funk and
Brazilian pop music; demonstrating just the tip of the iceberg, but what an
amazing t(r)ip it is!

Tracklist:
01. Cabo Verde Band - Bo Terra Cabo Verde (3:12)
02. Americo Brito - Rapaz Novo E Malandro (7:37)
03. Cabo Verde Show - Terra Longe (3:31)
04. Elisio Vieira - Tchon Di Somada (4:05)
05. Vlu - Rua DLisboa (5:50)
06. Galaxia 2000 - Coracao Dum Criola (3:55)
07. Mendes & Mendes - Mitamiyo (5:26)
08. Danny Carvalho - Roncanbai (4:38)
09. Mendes - Walkman (4:51)
10. José Casimiro - La Mamai Ta Bem (5:03)
11. Elisio Vieira - Bem Di Fora (5:26)
12. Zeca & Zeze Di Nha Reinalda - Mocinhos (4:26)

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