Carmen Souza

Carmen Souza was born on the 20th of May of 1981 in Lisbon. Being the daughter of Cape Verdian parents, she was always surrounded by the tradition, music and costumes of Cape Verde. In Cape Verde, it is very usual for men to learn a musical instrument, and her family was no exception — her grandfather was a violinist and her father played guitar.

Her first musical experience was at the age of 14 singing in the church choir, and her professional debut happened in 1999, when she was chosen to sing in the well known and still the only reference of gospel in Portugal, the choir Shout!

Almost immediately she caught the attention of Portuguese artists like Lucia Moniz and Kika Santos, who invited her to be part of their backvocal group.

Naturally she started working with Theo Pas'cal in his bands, Quamundo's and Funky Messengers, with whom she has toured between 2001 and 2003 as back and lead singer

Carmen is constantly developing her musical capacity not only as a singer but also as a musician and composer. —Courtesy Calabash Music