In a mesmerizing musical rendition, New York-based jazz singer, Kavita Shah, delivers a captivating cover of “Joia,” originally penned by the celebrated composer Boy Ge Mendes.
The song, a melodious homage to the unyielding women of Cape Verde islands, seamlessly merges the traditional Cape Verdean musical styles with the contemporary cadences of jazz.
As the second offering from her album titled “Cape Verdean Blues,” “Joia” truly celebrates the rich cultural and musical fabric of Cape Verde. Elevating the recording experience, Bau, the esteemed musical director who previously worked with the iconic Cesaria Evora, collaborated on this project.
With “Joia”, listeners are transported to the Cape Verde islands, feeling the pulse of its history, its women, and the magic of cross-cultural musical collaborations.
Kavita Shah, a vocalist, composer, and polyglot, has consistently received acclaim for her uncanny ability to transcend musical boundaries. NPR has lauded her for her “amazing dexterity for musical languages.”
Shah’s eclectic portfolio of work spans from blending modern jazz with folk traditions, as seen in “Visions,” to her more recent ethnographic explorations on the island of São Vicente.
She has graced the international music scene with numerous accolades, including a nomination for France’s eminent Victoire de la Musique for Jazz Album of the Year. Additionally, her collaboration with composer Miho Hazama on “Dancer in Nowhere” received a GRAMMY nomination in 2020.
Currently, Shah is diving deep into Cape Verdean music, informed by her ethnographic research on São Vicente. Fans can also anticipate an album of original compositions inspired by her voyages to her ancestral roots in Gujarat, India.
With her extensive travel experience performing across six continents, backed by renowned institutions like Chamber Music America and New Music USA, Shah embodies the spirit of a global musician.
Possessing an educational background as diverse as her musical repertoire, with a B.A. from Harvard and a Master’s from Manhattan School of Music, and the ability to communicate in nine languages, Shah’s “Joia” is yet another testament to her dedication to preserving, celebrating, and evolving musical traditions from around the world.
Listen to “Joia” below!
#Peace.Love.Joia
