Lucibela transports us to an eternal party through Moda Antiga, where Cape Verde’s traditional music warms the spirit and heart. Review.
MODA ANTIGA – LUCIBELA
Having grown up in South America, for me, Christmas in the sun feels natural and nostalgic. Lucibela, on the other hand, comes from Cape Verde, yet her album Moda Antiga stirs up many of my memories of French Guyana… and that’s thanks to the tenderness she brings to her roots and her dedication to preserving Cape Verdean traditions from fading away. But instead of approaching this with sobriety and solemnity, Lucibela calls on the spirit of celebration, making Moda Antiga the perfect soundtrack for all occasions. It’s a wholehearted favourite of mine that takes me beyond my usual genres.
Blending reinterpreted traditional songs with original compositions, Lucibela is both generous and radiant. From the opening track, Nhó Jom Seá Mi No/Ta Pinga Txápu – Txápu, you feel a warm smile welcoming you in, offering up irresistibly catchy melodies. Tracks like Bruxa, Salabanku, Lembra Tempo, Diferença, and Mcorre Mka Pega follow, with subtle shifts in rhythm adding depth to the collection.
Though the party spirit is never far away, the album’s second half brings something gentler, slower, and occasionally more serious. Songs like Yemanjá, Julgamento de Mãe, and Baloí reflect this shift. The energy reignites with Mãe Gracinda, where Lucibela invites others to sing alongside her. Finally, Moda Antiga concludes with Djentis Dasagua. Once again, those hypnotic rhythms evoke a certain nostalgia for me. Moda Antiga is a stunning third album that does justice to the archipelago! Do not miss it!
