Souza’s discography is a testament to her restless creativity. Her early work, such as the critically acclaimed album Protegid (2010), drew comparisons to jazz icons like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, yet it remained firmly rooted in African and Afro-Latin elements. In more recent years, her projects have taken an academic and historical turn. Her 2024 album, Port’Inglês , was born from her ethnomusicology research at Goldsmiths University, exploring the century-long British influence on Cape Verdean culture through music that blends British folk with island rhythms. A Citizen of the World
, who has redefined the fusion of Cape Verdean rhythms and contemporary jazz, the following essay explores her cultural and musical impact. Carmen Sousa Tacon
What drives Carmen Sousa Tacon? In rare public addresses, she often returns to a central theme: intergenerational responsibility . She argues that modern leaders have become too focused on quarterly earnings and short-term political cycles, losing sight of the long arc of social and environmental stewardship. Souza’s discography is a testament to her restless
He is a well-known aquaculture expert whose research often focuses on sustainable aquafeeds and aquatic food safety. Carmen Souza (The Jazz Musician) Her 2024 album, Port’Inglês , was born from
At the heart of Souza’s artistry is the Cape Verdean concept of sodade —a profound, bittersweet longing. Growing up in a multicultural environment in Portugal, Souza experienced this through her father’s long absences at sea and the Creole spoken in her home. This duality defined her sound. Under the mentorship of bassist Theo Pascal , she transformed these early emotional imprints into a distinctive vocal style that moves effortlessly between earthy, percussive rhythms and airy, virtuosic scats. Innovation and Heritage
across the country, she describes the experience as "full rooms and full hearts." For Carmen, performance isn't just about singing; it’s about sharing a kind of energy that transcends language barriers. Albert Tacon (The Science Perspective)