Music Festivals of Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde is not only famous for its rich musical heritage — from morna to coladeira and funaná — but also for its vibrant calendar of festivals. Each year, the islands host a series of cultural and musical events that bring together local traditions, international artists, and thousands of visitors. 

Here are some of the most iconic music festivals celebrated across the archipelago.

🎶 Festival da Gamboa (Praia, Santiago)

Held annually on the beach of Gamboa in Praia, the capital of Cabo Verde, the Festival da Gamboa is one of the country's most important cultural events. Organized by the Municipality of Praia in partnership with local cultural and event agencies, it has become a central highlight in the national music calendar.

• 2025 Edition (31st Festival): Scheduled for 16–17 May 2025.

• Schedule: Concerts usually start around 10 PM and last until dawn (6–8 AM).

• Tickets: About 200 CVE per night.

• Line-up 2025: A mix of 18 local and international acts, including Nigerian star Victony, Ineida Marta from Guinea-Bissau, DJ Moana from Brazil, alongside Cabo Verdean favorites like Ferro Gaita, Indira, Neyna, Mário Lúcio, Garry, and Hélio Batalha.

• Theme: "Pensar para agir e agir para poder pensar melhor" ("Think to act, and act to think better"), marking the celebrations of 50 years of Cabo Verde's independence.

🌕 Festival da Baía das Gatas (São Vicente)

The Festival da Baía das Gatas is one of Cabo Verde's most legendary music festivals, held on the beach of Baía das Gatas, about 10 km from Mindelo on São Vicente island.

• History: Founded in 1984 by musician Vasco Martins and friends.

• Timing: Traditionally takes place on the first full moon weekend in August.

• Admission: Free of charge.

• Experience: Beyond music, it blends local and international acts with cultural activities, dance, and sports, all under the spirit of morabeza (hospitality and togetherness).

• 2024 Edition (40th Festival): Expanded to four days with headliners like Ivete Sangalo and Elji Beatzkilla, plus Richie Campbell, C4 Pedro, Dino d'Santiago, and Divas Mindelo. It attracted over 100,000 visitors.

🎷 Mindel Summer Jazz (Mindelo, São Vicente)

Mindelo, the cultural capital of Cabo Verde, hosts the annual Mindel Summer Jazz Festival at Pracinha do Liceu Velho. Known for its international character, it brings together jazz musicians from Cabo Verde and around the globe.

• 2025 Edition (13th Festival): Scheduled for 7–8 August 2025.

• Theme: "Liberdade" ("Freedom"), celebrating 50 years of independence.

• Program: Includes concerts, workshops, masterclasses, and special activities for children (MS Junior).

• Artists 2025: Sérgio Figueira Sexteto Incantód (Cabo Verde), Rolando Luna Trio (Cuba), Cuban Jazz Syndicate Sexteto, Carmen Souza Quinteto, and Richard Bona & Alfredo Rodriguez.

🎺 Kriol Jazz Festival (Praia, Santiago)

The Kriol Jazz Festival is a flagship cultural event in Praia, celebrating the creativity of creole culture and connecting Cabo Verdean music with global jazz traditions. Recognized as an event of national cultural importance, it is a major attraction for jazz lovers.

• 2025 Edition (14th Festival): Set for 10–12 April 2025 in Praia.

• European Expansion: For the first time, an edition will also take place in Águeda, Portugal (29–30 March 2025).

• Artists 2025: Sona Jobarteh (Gambia), Bonga (Angola), Sixun (France), Nancy Vieira (Cabo Verde), Michelle David & The True Tones (USA).

🎤 Festival de Santa Maria (Sal Island)

Each September, the city of Santa Maria on Sal Island hosts the Festival de Santa Maria, a major beachside music event that celebrates both local and international talent.

• 2025 Edition (33rd Festival): Scheduled for 12–13 September 2025.

• Theme: "Homenagem a quem fez e faz História" ("Honoring those who made and continue to make history").

• Line-up 2025:

  • 12 Sept: Banda Municipal, Coletivo 1, Los Manos, Deixa Acontecer, Kriol Kings, Loony Johnson, Trakinuz, Big Z, CESF.

  • 13 Sept: Coletivo 2, Hip Hop Sal, Tabanka Djazz, Mo' Kalamity, Josslyn & Yasmine, Wet Bed Gang, MC Acondize.

• Schedule: From 10 PM until 6 AM.

• Atmosphere: Known for excellent organization, diverse line-ups, and enthusiastic crowds.

🎸 Grito Rock Praia (Praia, Santiago)

Part of the global Grito Rock movement, Grito Rock Praia brings alternative, rock, and indie music to Cabo Verde. It also embraces social and environmental causes, making it more than just a music festival.

• 2025 Edition (9th Festival): Runs from 20–30 March 2025 in Praia.

• Main Concert: 29 March at Pracinha da Escola Grande (Plateau).

• Pre-events: Grito Cordas (acoustic guitar/strings showcase), jam sessions, and a cultural tour of Cidade Velha.

• Artists 2025: Vamar Martins Band, Junta Raíz, Projeto Anamica (Cabo Verde), plus Revolution Within (Portugal) and VOP (Austria).

• Special Features: Tribute to Cabo Verdean singer and cultural activist Terezinha Araújo.

• Cause: Environmental theme "Plante Uma Árvore" ("Plant a Tree"), encouraging every family to contribute to reforestation.

• Admission: Free of charge.