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For a nation with a population barely larger than that of Staten Island, the quantity and quality of music that comes out of the archipelago of Cape Verde is astounding.

With the late, great Cesaria Evora as its internationally revered figurehead, the Cabo Verdean music scene is a hive of creation, formed by a seemingly endless cast of extremely talented, creative musicians, playing plaintive morna, energetic funana, batuque, hip-hop, and much more.

Although it is one of smallest countries of the world, it is third in music sales in the “world music” market, and well deserving of that status.

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How is it that these islands host such a critical mass of musical excellence? Perhaps it’s the nation’s complex history as a crossroads of many cultures, perhaps the excellent weather, maybe something in the water. Or, as some stories might suggest, Cape Verde is recipient of some very cosmic musical endowment.

The liner notes of the spectacular Space Echo: The My