Princezito to Perform Intimate Concert at Cabo Verde Cultural Center
Cape Verdean artist Princezito, born Carlos Alberto Sousa Mendes in Tarrafal de Santiago, will perform an intimate concert at the Cabo Verde Cultural Center (CCCV). He will be accompanied by musician Djodje Almeida. Princezito's passion for singing was nurtured by the legendary Finason singer Bibinha Kabral, with whom he developed his artistic inclinations. He showed early talent for writing and reciting original poems, a skill learned from his older siblings. During his eight years in Cuba, Princezito immersed himself in the country's rich cultural tapestry, absorbing Afro-Cuban rhythms and popular contemporary music. He also spearheaded the "AYAN" project, a recording that highlighted a new direction in batuku music and promoted the "Pantera" generation. This performance is part of the "Kriolo Sounds – Cada Nota, Uma Estória" project, which aims to support artists from Cape Verde and other Lusophone African countries (CPLP) and introduce their music to a wider audience. The project features monthly intimate performances for small audiences. Artists do not receive a performance fee; instead, the full proceeds from ticket sales are given directly to them, bypassing any agency involvement. Participation in "Kriolo Sounds" is by invitation from the CCCV or through an artist's direct expression of interest to the center.
This event highlights the "Kriolo Sounds" initiative's strategy to foster artistic development and cultural exchange within the Lusophone community by providing direct financial support to artists through intimate, audience-funded performances. The model bypasses traditional intermediaries, potentially increasing artist revenue and autonomy. From a systems perspective, such direct-to-artist models can be a sustainable alternative to conventional industry structures, especially for emerging or niche artists. However, scalability and consistent audience engagement remain key challenges for long-term viability. The project's emphasis on direct artist benefit and cultural promotion aligns with broader trends seeking more equitable distribution of value in the creative economy, particularly as digital platforms continue to reshape music consumption and artist livelihoods.
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