Morabeza
Cesária Évora Lyrics

The first two lines of Cesária Évora's song Morabeza set the scene with a stunning image of the rising sun, which is described as appearing like a radiant fan. The sky over the city of Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente, is also portrayed as being decorated with bright clothing that reflects the light of the sun. This suggests that the people of Mindelo are just as vibrant and full of life as the natural world around them. In the following lines, Mindelo is depicted as a city draped in blue and gold, with everyone dressed in their finest clothing, decorated with flowers. There is a sense of pride and joy in these lines and a feeling of celebration, as if the community has come together to embrace their shared culture and identity.

The second half of the song focuses on the people of Mindelo themselves. They are described as welcoming and warm, with open hearts and a desire to embrace others. The phrase 'broce' can be translated as 'arms,' suggesting that they are literally opening their arms and hearts to those around them. The term 'morabeza' which is repeated in the refrain, refers to the Cape Verdean concept of hospitality, which is seen as central to the country's cultural identity. There is a sense that this sense of warmth and generosity is not just something that the people of Mindelo possess, but is emblematic of Cape Verde as a whole. It is this spirit of community, kindness, and hospitality that gives the people of Mindelo their joie de vivre.