SOLANGE CESAROVNA

Solange Cesarovna stands as one of the most influential and charismatic voices in Cape Verdean music. A critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and composer. Solange is not only an extraordinary performer but also a passionate advocate for copyright and a proud ambassador of Cape Verde’s rich cultural heritage. Her magnetic stage presence, brimming with energy and emotion, transforms every performance into an unforgettable experience that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. Born in 1981 in Ulyanovsk, in the former Soviet Union, to a Russian mother and a Cape Verdean father, Solange moved to Cape Verde at the age of two and grew up in Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente. Her talent was undeniable from a very young age: at just 7 she won her first award at the “Festival of Little Singers” in Mindelo, and by the age of 8 she was already representing Cape Verde at international festivals. This remarkable early start marked the beginning of an extraordinary career, shaped by unwavering determination, dedication, and a profound connection to her roots. At 18, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, she moved to Brazil, where she earned a degree in Social Communication with a specialization in Cinematic Arts. Simultaneously, she honed her natural talent for classical and lyrical singing at the prestigious Villa Lobos Music School. This transformative international experience expanded her horizons, enriched her repertoire, and deepened her commitment to sharing Cape Verdean culture with the world. In 2008, Solange recorded her debut album in Los Angeles at a legendary studio that had hosted some of the most iconic names in global music. The album, “Solange Cesarovna,” marked the start of a new chapter in her artistic journey, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. Through its tracks, she breathed new life into musical genres like Morna, Coladeira, and Funaná. Each song pays homage to Cape Verde’s rich musical heritage while asserting her unique identity as an artist. But Solange is much more than a gifted artist—she is a woman of purpose, dedicated to using her art as a catalyst for positive change. In 2013, she co-founded the Cape Verdean Music Society (SCM), an organization that, under her visionary leadership, revolutionized the copyright landscape in Cape Verde. For the first time, Cape Verdean musicians, authors, and composers received their rightful payments—a groundbreaking achievement that profoundly transformed the lives of countless creators. In 2017, under the banner of Edições Artiletra, the release of the album Mornas—a heartfelt tribute to the great poet and composer Eugénio Tavares—marked a defining moment in her career. Dedicated to preserving Cape Verdean culture, this remarkable work played a pivotal role in securing Morna’s recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a prestigious title officially granted in December 2019. With her sweet yet powerful voice, Solange brought new life to this cherished musical genre, ensuring its legacy while projecting it into the future. Throughout her career, Solange has been widely celebrated for her remarkable work and unwavering dedication. In 2021, she was recognized as 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 received the Exceptional Achievement Prize from Fair Trade Music International, honoring her transformative contributions to Cape Verde’s music industry. In 2025, Solange embarks on a new chapter in her career, following a remarkable tenure as president of SCM. With the boundless energy and enthusiasm that have always defined her, she is now developing innovative musical projects designed to inspire and deeply move audiences. Guided by her unwavering creative spirit, Solange continues to demonstrate that music knows no boundaries and that, through art, we can build bridges, foster understanding, and touch hearts. Beyond her musical achievements, Solange serves as Vice President of the African Music Academy and proudly holds the title of the first CLIP Champion of WIPO for Creators (WIPO – World Intellectual Property Organization). These roles reaffirm her unwavering commitment to advocating for creators’ rights and championing the global promotion of African music.