Denis Mota

Born in Mindelo, the port city of São Vicente Island in Cabo Verde, Denis Mota grew up with an interest in traditional Cape Verdean music. At 6 years old, he began singing in the Salesians church choir, developing his skills and passion for vocal arts through participation in the ensemble over the next few years. At age 14, Denis started learning to play the guitar and received his first guitar a year later as a gift from an uncle. The desire to learn and to become involved in Cape Verdean music only continued to grow as he got older; eventually, he learned to play the cavaquinho, a traditional instrument used especially in mornas and coladeiras.   

At age 20, Denis Mota won a talent show, an achievement which brought him to many stages throughout the archipelago, including a performance at the popular Baia das Gatas Music Festival. Ten years ago, Denis emigrated to the US, where he continues to play and sing the beautiful melodies of his homeland. Denis is currently working on his first album.