Lura

Di Korup Ku Alma

(Escondida Music)

Lura performs in the batuku and funana styles of music from Cape Verde, an archipelago some 300 miles west of Senegal in Africa.  Di Korup Ku Alma, which means Of Body and Soul, is a 2 disc set. One is a CD of newly recorded songs and the other is a DVD of a live concert, a profile of Lura, videos, and photos.  No female singer from the country can escape the influence of Cesaria Evora, the most famous musical export of Cape Verde islands.  But Lura doesn’t linger in Evora’s shadow for long.  Cape Verde’s music reflects the mix of colonial Portuguese and native West African roots.  Each of Cape Verde’s 10 islands has its own unique dialect.  Lura’s music is inspired by the styles of Santiago- the most African of the islands, and the native island of her father.  The accordion- driven funana is a festive style and batuku is where women sing together when they are working.  Here, Lura sings in batuku style in a solo manner, bringing a new dimension to the tradition. 

By. Samir Shukla