Solar singer, solar smile, velvety voice, a lioness ready to pounce… these are some of the adjectives employed to describe Mariana Ramos. She is a French singer born in Dakar (Senegal) from Cape Verdean parents. She was raised in Cape Verde by her grandmother until the age of 7 when she joined her parents in France.
Immersed in Music
A childhood surrounded by the melodies of Cape Verdean music and a father musician, could only lead the girl to this artistic field of music and dance. Mariana Ramos' father, Tony Ramos, alias Tony de Bibia, was the guitarist of Voz de Cabo Verde (Voice of Cape Verde). This mythical group established in 1966 in Rotterdam was dissolved in 1970, following the death of two of its musicians. It was recreated in 2003.
It is but natural for Mariana Ramos to plunge into the musical world and be interested with different styles including jazz. Her meeting with Cape Verdean singers, especially Teophile Chantre, took her back to the archipelago.
Recording Career
Her first album Di dor em or (metaphor: "from darkness to light") was released in 2000 and she gave many concerts. Success is immediate with her songs influenced by jazz, Brazilian and African music, and different musical styles of her country of origin (morna, funana ...).
"After blazing the prestigious concert halls such as New Morning and the Alhambra in Paris, Mariana has built a solid reputation. Her golden voice and her repertoire blending traditional capverdian and modern arrangements rapidly propelled her on the footsteps of the great Cesaria Evora." LE PARISIEN - G. Ploum
In 2004, the second album Bibia is released and it confirms the musical talent of Mariana Ramos. The songs are inspired by the archipelago of her childhood. Why this title? Mariana explains:
"I dedicate this album to 'Bibi', little nickname carried by my grandmothers, women devoted to their children and grandchildren... My childhood memories always bring me back to Monte Sossego, District of the island of São Vicente. Bibi, my maternal grandmother, was raising a flock of small children entrusted by her daughters who were forced to emigrate in search of work. BILUCA Maria Antonia, a woman of character, austere, generous, courageous, ran her business and did the tasks of daily life into a true matriarch. The baths, capping, meals (without forgetting the plate of the unexpected guest) gave rhythm to life in the small courtyard of the house where the shouts, laughter and even tears resound forever in my heart." (Cap Discovery)
A new album was launched four years later. Mornador (The maker of Morna) is the logical evolution of the previous two CDs; Cape Verdean rhythms crossbred with jazz and an innovation: the slow Morna which reminds blues. Mariana confirms her openness to other world rhythms and fits well in the World Music movement.
In the beginning of 2011, Mariana realeses after "only" 3-year of absence, a new CD entitled Suavidança, with beautiful songs as Lago di fogo, Discunfiado or Mariana! The 12 tracks are high quality, always served with a wonderful voice.
Interview of Mariana Ramos
Can you tell us briefly about Cape Verde and its music?
Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten islands whose inhabitants are very mixed by colonisation (Portuguese) with the slaves and the exile of expatriates from Europe and the Americas. We find this "creolité" in the music, the Morna which is the traditional rhythm of the country that comes from lamentations of the slaves and the Western rhythms. Each island has its own rhythms, that enrich our musical heritage.
You take several years to release a new album. What is the reason?
There are four years of gap between each album, except for the last "Suavidança", three years. Maybe because I have gained more experience and I invested more. Besides this, it depended more on me than the songwriters and the musicians. I like to take time to refine every step of a discography and find the "right partners".
Describe us your new CD Suavidança. What was the reaction of the public during your concerts?
This new album "Suavidança" is the portemanteau word for sweetness and dance. It consists of 12 dashed-off tracks. Arrangements of brass and strings bring modernity to these African rhythms. For the moment it's the professionals who listen and appreciate it, because the official release is scheduled on February 21, 2011.
You sing primarily in Creole of Cape Verde. Why?
For, it is in my native language where I can express myself better. I think the Portuguese Creole is better suited to these Cape Verdean and African rhythms more than the French, but that does not stop me from singing in English or in French as the title "Si jamais" is an adaptation of a popular Cape Verdean song, "Nha cansera ca tem midida".
You regularly go to Africa. This continent has a particular significance for you?
I love Africa but unfortunately I am unable to sing there as much I would love to. I went to sing especially in Francophone and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Cape Verdean music is appreciated around the world and I intend, with this new album, to be more present on the international scene.
The new album of Mariana Ramos should, undoubtedly meet with succes.
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Discography
Di Dor Em Or (2000)
Bibia (2004)
Mornador (2008)
Suavidança (2011)
Official Web Site : mariana-ramos.com
Informations on MySpace
Pascal Marion - Author, independent researcher, responsible of Terres d'Asie.
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