Liberdade – Cabo Verdean Independence Day
On Sunday 5 July, Fenix and Kaapverdisch Goud join forces for a special edition of Liberdade, dedicated entirely to morna: the music of Cabo Verde.
Morna is more than a music style. It tells stories of love, longing, migration, homesickness and connection. In Rotterdam, morna carries another layer: the Cabo Verdean community has been part of the city for more than sixty years.
Programmme
Market, exhibition and vinyl session
On Plein, there will be a small market with Cabo Verdean bites, books, art and handmade products by local entrepreneurs and cultural initiatives from the city. In the exhibition Casa di Cabral, The Black Archives tells the story of Amílcar Cabral and the independence struggle of Cabo Verde and Guinea-Bissau. During the Vinyl Sessions, DJ Pantcha plays original Cabo Verdean records and shares the stories behind the music.
Live performance by Jacqueline Fortes, Toy Vieira and Paulo Bouman
Together with pianist and composer Toy Vieira, one of Cabo Verde’s most influential living musical legends, and guitarist Paulo Bouman, Jacqueline Fortes, also known as The Grande Dame, brings an intimate musical ode to morna that gradually moves into a swinging coladeira.
Film screening: Manuel d’Novas
Manuel d’Novas takes you to the heart of morna. He is one of the most important lyricists in Cabo Verdean music history. His lyrics formed the basis for many well-known mornas and were sung by artists such as Bana and Cesária Évora. The documentary shows his life, work and influence on Cabo Verdean culture.
Panel discussion: Morna, Heritage and Identity
After the film screening, there will be an in-depth panel discussion led by Valerie de Brito. Together with Alice Fortes, Guy Ramos and Toy Vieira, she will discuss the meaning of morna for the Cabo Verdean community, the role of music in preserving cultural heritage and the influence of migration on identity and cultural transmission.
Celebrate Cabo Verdean Independence Day at Fenix with Liberdade: a day of morna, music, film and food.
Foto: Luis
Tickets for the film screening and panel discussion
The screening and panel discussion take place in an intimate setting inside Fenix. A ticket is required for this part of the programme. With your ticket, you will receive a free drink, which you can collect at the kiosk before the film or during the break.
Programme
11:00–12:00 – Film screening part 1: Manuel d’Novas
12:15–13:30 – Film screening part 2: Manuel d’Novas
13:30–14:15 – Panel discussion with Alice Fortes, Guy Ramos and Toy Vieira
14:15–15:15 – Workshop on African cultures
14:15–17:00 – Open market and Casa di Cabral exhibition
15:00–15:45 – Live performance by Danilo Tavares Band
About the organisation
Kaapverdisch Goud was founded in 2025 around fifty years of Cabo Verdean independence in Rotterdam. The organisation brings people together through events, collaborations and social initiatives centred on Cabo Verdean culture.
