Musical traditions from Africa are reborn in Cabo Verde as batuko (derived from the Portuguese verb meaning “to beat”), a genre that features polyrhythm and call and response performed by a group of women.

Cachupa is Cape Verde’s national dish. It’s a rich stew of hominy, beans, seasoned meats and vegetables. Every family has their own version, and even within families, there are different variations.

During the joint learning week in Portugal, we were able to participate in the community activities of Cape Verde women. Choral, safe and intergenerational rites.

How the women commented the reasons they play batuko:

Batuko makes me feel strong and I bring that strength out of here into my life.

Batuko passes between generations via immersive experience

It makes me happy

The story of the batuko was born among the slaves of the plantations: giving voice to suffering, to the stifled cry.

It is a unique expression of the here and now, based on improvisation, starting with percussion patterns and rhythms

in a protected and circular space