HOJE HÁ: Noite de Morabeza no Speakeasy

In 1952, Gerhard Mendes was born i Dakar, birthplace of many Capeverdean emigrants; then he grew up among a colorful community of Malians, Senegaleses, Guineans and of course, Capeverdeans. Attending a catholic school, he discovered his liking for singing, which he developed throughout parties and villages fairs. Later, Gerard gained some experience on stage in several Dakar’s clubs: The Black & White, The Marseille, The Alhabamar and in some disreputable piano bars. At this time his repertoire was made of standards: The Stones, The Beatles, blues, same salsa; he sang in French or, phonetically in English and Spanish. In 1967, plans took shape. With one of his brothers, the young Mendes formed his first band named The Beryl's. So, the exciting life began: Concerts and festivals allover Senegal. Gerard Mendes is breaking it through.

In 1977, with his brother Jean-Claude, Luis Silva and Emmanuel Lima he formed a 100% Capeverdean band, Cabo Verde Show, which became the roots band for those who were in exile in Paris or in The Netherlands; this step has been decisive: A desire for writing songs in the language he was barn and raised. On the Cabo Verde Show second recording Gerard Mendes signed three tracks, highly acclaimed by the community. This success fanned the flames of going beyond. He quit Cabo Verde Show and started a new project with his brother, the highly acclaimed band Mendes & Mendes. In 1983, after three other albums, he left Paris and moved to Nice.
In 1990, something went click: Gerard Mendes became Boy Ge Mendes, a passing reference to his childhood.s nickname. In Dakar guys call each otther : “Boy”. He recorded the sang “Grito de bo Fidge” that became the first hit of the Capeverdean music outside the community.

After years of tours and concerts, Boy Ge Mendes decided to make a break. In 97 his album “Lagoa” is synonym of rebirth, return to home and intimacy. As soon as this CD was out, he left Nice and went back to Cabo Verde. He was finally there, between Mindelo -where he lived- and the islands of Boa Vista and Santa Anton, where he liked to wander. Cape Verde was his again: the San Jon (St John) celebrations, and the camival; the “Noites caboverdiana”, where glasses af grog and guitars playing helped your people to dream of a new world, a better ane; but also, the country of the uprooted farmers to exile to provide for their families.families.
So, on Cabo Verde Boy Ge Mendes rediscovered his roots, he composed the songs of “Noite de Morabeza”, his ninth album. Boy Ge Mendes sings his love and passion for that little country.

in http://www.leopardmannen.no/m/mendes.boy.ge.asp#Biografi

HOJE HÁ: Noite de Morabeza no Speakeasy (00h00) com Boy Gé Mendes

LER MAIS, AQUI:
http://www.boygemendes.com/
http://www.caboverde.com/music/boyg-00.htm
http://muzikaditera.blogspot.com/
http://www.speakeasy-bar.com/