Lutchinha
Lutchinha Maria Neves Leite was born on the island of São Vicente, Cape Verde Islands. Lutchinha started singing when she was 7 years old, having inherited music from her parents. She started her career performing at “Noites Caboverdianas" [Cape Verdean nights] in São Vicente, including some for Heads of State visiting on dignitary occasions; and she represented her home island of São Vicente in the national singing contest “Todo Mundo Canta” [“The Whole World Sings”]. Alongside Cesaria Evora, Zenaida Chantre, Titina, and other major artists, she participated in the "Festival de Vozes Femininas" in Praia. In 1988, she represented Cape Verde in the International Students Festival in the Soviet Union and has performed in Portugal for former President Mario Soares. Lutchinha has recorded with many well-known Cape Verdean artists, including Ramiro Mendes, Calu Bana, Ze Rui, Jacqueline Fortes, Vuca Pinheiro, Manuel Timas, Ney Miranda, Tony Azevedo, Galvão, and many more.
Lutchinha’s 2004 release, Castanhinha, teems with strong vocals, fearlessly traditional grooves, and a rich Cape Verdean texture. Lutchinha is immensely proud of this album, noting that “only my family and friends know the hardship I went through to record this album.” From beginning to end, Lutchinha’s album strings a musical garland with ease. Its titular song "Castanhinha," a sensitive morna dedicated to her mother, sets the tone for the more rhythmic tunes, including the vibrant "Xan Canta” and the samba "Meu Amor.” These are complemented by the luscious "Lembrança na Peito," composed by Glanzer Ramos and Djim Job, and "M'nine d'rua," written by her and Nando Lopes. Throughout the album, Lutchinha shows her sharpness and versatility, using her stellar and high-pitched vocals with elegance.
In 2014, Lutchinha recorded her second album with the all-female band Cruzamente. Since the release of this album, Lutchinha has toured in Rotterdam, Paris, and Cabo Verde. She has been honored with a lifetime achievement award by the Damata foundation. In 2018, Lutchinha celebrated 30 years of her career; and she released her newest CD, Nos Convivência, in 2021.
