About Us

Named for the orca whale, a powerful and elegant ocean traveler, Orkka Music traces its roots to the Cape Verde archipelago — a cluster of islands off the coast of Western Africa whose diverse musical sounds are informed by its seafaring history in the Atlantic and the richness of its worldwide diaspora. Orkka Music manages a select cohort of artists, working to produce their music with the utmost quality, connect them to global audiences, and educate more people about the Cape Verde islands and their culture. 

PRODUCING

In partnership with Music of Job, Orkka Music has produced numerous talented Cape Verdean musicians; you can view our current roster of artists here. Our artists’ albums are passionately crafted for music lovers all over the world to enjoy. With fine lyrics, elegant melodies, and diverse rhythms, our music reflects a global music philosophy that defies sonic borders while drawing on traditional Cape Verdean genres. From Cape Verde’s melodic, melancholic morna and its polyrhythmic, whirling batuku to Brazilian bossa nova and Jamaican reggae, our artists engage an ocean of influences. We wholeheartedly invite you to drink from the abundant fountain of Cape Verde’s musical heritage. 

CONNECTING

For over a decade, Orkka Music has been promoting and organizing shows, concerts, and music festivals that showcase our fabulous group of Cape Verdean musicians. Our artists regularly perform on global stages in the U.S.A., throughout Europe, and in the Cape Verde archipelago. Orkka Music also produces an annual Mornabeza festival, in which our artists share heartfelt interpretations and compositions inspired by the Cape Verdean morna. If you want distinctive, soulful, and professional entertainment for your event, Orkka is prepared to hand-pick a crew of artists to suit your stylistic and budgetary needs. We want to share our artists’ creative talents with you all; book us today by filling out the simple form below!

EDUCATING  

At Orkka, we know that all music has a story — and Cape Verde has many stories that we hope to share! In partnership with authors, cultural heritage experts, and ethnomusicologists, Orkka offers a slate of educational materials to anyone wishing to learn more about Cape Verdean music and culture. You might consider checking out our series of curated opinion articles, or listening to the music podcast hosted here on the website. Alongside music and merchandise, Orkka also sells a series of books on topics such as the history of drought and famine in Cape Verde; experiences of transnational migration; and the figures who worked to weave Cape Verde’s musical tapestry.

JOIN OUR JOURNEY!

Booking Requests

Contact

General & Management

Djon Ramos

Intern & Ethnomusicologist

Ruby Erickson

OrkkaMusic@gmail.com