Legend of Funaná

Due to its rural origin, funaná was forbidden for years in Cape Verde – most notably in Santiago, where it was born – by the Portuguese colonialists. While morna was praised and considered to be a respectful art form, the accordion-based funaná was disregarded, as being low-class music sung in unwelcomed Creole. All the more reason for 1975's independence to resurrect this festive dance music that quickly spread all over the country's islands. Soon enough, bands such as Bulimundo and Ferro Gaita were becoming hugely popular and funaná became essential to every national singer's repertoire.

A self-taught accordionist, Bitori was one of the original interpreters of funaná back in the 50s. But it took more than 40 years for him to record his debut album. Legend of Funaná, first released in 1997, is a perfect example of how entrancing funaná often is and documents the unstoppable drive behind it – once set in motion, this music goes on without slowing down. Lead singer Chando Graciosa was responsible for getting Bitori in an Amsterdam studio and immortalising his fiery accordion sound. And now we should thank Analog Africa for placing him back in the limelight.