The forthcoming album, “50 Years of Cape Verde’s Independence,” brings together unreleased songs by Ildo Lobo and Djosinha. The album, released by HelloCaboVerde, includes unreleased songs recorded more than two decades ago by some of the greatest icons of Cape Verdean music.

Featuring five new tracks, “50 Years of Cape Verde’s Independence” celebrates the golden jubilee of independence through history, musical talent, and homage to deceased artists.
The premier track, “Celebrate 50 Years of Independence,” composed and arranged by Kim Alves, features collaborations with renowned performers: Zé Galvão, Vargas Monteiro, Grace Évora, Djédjé, Ana Paola, Albertino Évora, Arlindo Rodrigues, MenoPecha, Mindela, Totchi, Paulinha, Dzenh and Tó Alves. The celebratory track includes instrumentals played and arranged by Kim Alves himself.
The song “Nha Fidju”, performed by Ildo Lobo, was recorded in 1999, five years before the singer's death, with arrangements by Norberto Tavares, who passed away in 2010. The lyrics, written by the CD promoter, Tony Neves, address Cape Verdean fatherhood in all its forms.“N’sabi ma bo é di meu, ma bo ka podi leva nhá nomi” (My son, I know you are mine, but you cannot carry my surname), reads the song. “These are everyday Cape Verdean situations that resonate with many who have experienced paternal relationships and are not connected to his personal experiences or those of the performer..” emphasizes Tony Neves.
“Nôs Cabo Verde di Sperança”, recorded in 2007 by the youth group New Energy, pays homage to Norberto Tavares, who composed the song in the 1970s, when Cape Verde was still taking its first steps as an independent nation. The lyrics are considered by many to be a true hymn of hope.
The historical repertoire is completed with two other unreleased songs: “Pátria Amada,” performed by Djosinha and composed by Ano Nobo, recorded in 1999 with arrangements by Manuel Di Candinho; and “Lágrima Sentide”, by Luís Lima, performed by Belinda Lima and recorded in 2000, with arrangements by Ramiro Mendes.
The official launch will be on March 8th, at the Vulcão Hotel, located in Cidade Velha, Santiago Island, in Cape Verde. The distribution of the records will be done by selected NGOs, and the proceeds will be directed to charitable causes, especially those serving children.
 The cover, designed by artist and set designer João “Boss” Brito, symbolizes the 50 years of Cape Verde's achievements, including the iconic Cesária Évora; the Blue Sharks national men’s soccer team which will represent the country for the first time in the 2026 World Cup; and the women's national soccer team, which will compete in the 2026 African Cup of Nations (CAN) for the first time.
Producer Tony Neves explains that this is a long-awaited debut that was sparked by an invitation to organize a trip to Cape Verde for a delegation from the Whale Museum in New Bedford, as part of the 50th anniversary of Independence. “The initial idea was to visit Praia, São Vicente, São Nicolau and Santo Antão. Unfortunately, the storm that affected these last three islands forced the postponement of the trip. I then decided to release the CD with renewed energy to support our communities,” says Tony Neves.
With this project, “50 Years of Cape Verde’s Independence” preserves valuable musical memories, connects generations, and contributes to social causes, transforming art and history into solidarity action.