Mayra Andrade uses her light and stirring voice to evoke not only the distinctive sounds of Cuba and Cape Verde, but also to channel the beauty of many Lusophone, Latin, and European traditions. Noticed early in her teens for her voice and interpretive sensitivity, Andrade quickly rose to European acclaim, representing the youngest generation of Cape Verde’s multifaceted music brought to global listeners by the late Cesaria Evora.
Andrade has drawn from Brazilian and French songs, as well as African sounds, to create music that incorporates jazz, acoustic, and chanson traditions. Now based in France, her musical curiosity has taken her from São Paolo to the streets of Havana. Andrade’s approach shines in a pared-down setting with a cosmopolitan trio: Munir Hossn on guitar, Zé Luis Nascimento on percussion, and Thierry Fanfant on double bass.
