Mayra Andrade
Rock Singer
Known for her contemporary interpretations of the traditional morna songs of Cape Verde, this popular singer recorded several acclaimed albums, including Studio 105, Lovely Difficult, and Storia, Storia.
When she was just sixteen years old, she won a prominent French music writing contest. After releasing her debut album, Navega, in 2006, she earned a BBC Radio 3 World Music Newcomer Award.
She learned to speak many languages, but sang primarily in the Cape Verdean Crioulo tongue.
Born in Cuba to a Cape Verdean diplomat father, she she grew up in many places, including Cape Verde, Germany, Angola, and Senegal. In her late teens, she settled in France.
Her singing style has been compared to that of fellow Cape Verdean morna vocalist Cesaria Evora.