Ora Doci Ora Margos

Who is Elida Almeida? Across 2015, many other music lovers will ask the same question. That is because this, the debut album from a 21-year-old Cape Verdean singer-songwriter, hints at a stunning new talent. Firstly, there's her voice: silvery, bruised, questing and seductive, it grabs you right from the opener, ‘Lebarn Ku Bo’. And then there are the songs; 11 of the 13 here are originals. They are mornas (traditional Cape Verdean songs) yet are imbued with a contemporary flavour and Brazilian touches that add an international appeal. When Almeida's voice is at the forefront, her enchanting Creole blues shimmer. The album's producer is José da Silva, who discovered and produced Cesaria Evora, and he wraps Almeida in a similarly lush Latin production style. Actually, at times Almeida would have benefitted from a more acoustic approach. But even the over-the-top electric guitars, busy percussion and prominent keyboards cannot subdue a talent this strong. Note the name – though it will be impossible to forget, once you’ve heard her sing.