Djosinha

José Vieira Duarte

May 25, 1934 – June 5, 2026

I first met Djosinha in the United States during the late 1990s, when he recorded his album Nôs Dom at my studio in Fall River, Massachusetts. I recorded and engineered the album and also played drums on two of its songs. That project marked the beginning of a friendship and professional relationship that continued for many years.

After recording Nôs Dom, Djosinha called me to perform with him at several shows throughout the United States. I began traveling to Cape Verde in 1998, and in 1999, I had the honor of performing with him at the legendary Baía das Gatas Music Festival on the island of São Vicente. We continued to share the stage at other events throughout the years.

One of the most meaningful compliments I ever received came from Djosinha. He told several people that when I arrived in Cape Verde, I brought my own flavor to the country’s rhythms. In his opinion, my playing had an impact on various styles of Cape Verdean music. Coming from an artist of his experience, history, and importance, those words meant a great deal to me and are something I will always carry with pride.

Our final recording session together took place at Strela Verde Studios in Acushnet, Massachusetts—a studio I built for Fifi Montrond. Djosinha recorded there for one of Fifi’s albums. I have a photograph of us from that session that I am grateful to be able to include with this tribute.

Djosinha and I shared a genuine friendship and a deep mutual respect. He was a legendary voice of Cape Verdean music and an extraordinary entertainer whose career touched audiences across generations and throughout the world.

I feel honored to have recorded his music, played drums on his album, and shared stages with him in both the United States and Cape Verde. The music we created and the memories we shared will always hold a special place in my life.

His voice, energy, and remarkable legacy will forever remain part of Cape Verdean culture.

Jeffrey Liggins

Jeffrey Todd Liggins

June 25, 1963 – February 19, 2025

Jeff Liggins and I shared a long musical history and a great friendship. During the 1990s, we formed a production company called 2 Funky Productions, where we wrote, recorded, and produced a large body of music together.

I co-produced every song on Jeff’s album Slip Away, including “What About Us?,” “There for You,” “Slip Away,” “Show Me,” “Only 1 of Us in Love,” “Never Get Over You,” “I’m Your Man,” and “If You Belong to Me.” We were constantly in the studio together, spending countless hours writing, recording, arranging, and developing the songs and sound of the album.

Jeff was an amazing bass player. Early in his career, he played bass for his uncle, renowned R&B vocalist Jeffrey Osborne. He had an instinctive sense of groove and musicianship that made playing with him effortless and exciting.

In the early 1990s, Jeff and I performed with Tiny Tavares throughout New England. Our work together also took us to Aruba, and in 1998, Jeff traveled with me to Cape Verde on my first visit to the islands. He was there playing bass as I began what would become one of the most important chapters of my musical life.

Jeff was an exceptionally talented vocalist, bass player, songwriter, and producer, but he was also a great friend. We created a tremendous amount of music together and shared experiences that extended far beyond the recording studio and the stage.

I will always be grateful for 2 Funky Productions, the songs we created, the many hours we spent together in the studio, the places music took us, and the friendship we shared. Jeff’s voice, musicianship, and unmistakable groove remain preserved in our recordings, and the work we did together will always be an important part of my own musical journey.

Manel Dos D’Alma — The Island Man

Manuel Plácido Cabral

February 14, 1960 – September 12, 2024

Manel Dos D’Alma — The Island Man

Manuel Plácido Cabral | February 14, 1960 – September 12, 2024

     I first worked with Manel when he was a member of the Portuguese band D’Alma. I recorded a couple of the band’s albums, and after Manel began his solo career, our musical relationship continued through several more albums and many live performances. Over the years, we became very close friends.

     One of my favorite memories from working with Manel was recording the drums for “Sempre À Minha Espera.” When I arrived at the studio, the song already had a programmed guide drum track and was arranged primarily as a rock ballad. As I worked on it, I completely changed the rhythmic feel by introducing Funaná Lentu, a Cape Verdean rhythm with a distinctive cowbell pattern.

     I performed the new rhythm with brushes on the drum kit, combining the character of Cape Verdean music with the song’s original rock foundation. That rhythmic change gave the recording a broader world-music feeling and transformed it from a conventional rock ballad into something far more distinctive—a fusion of rock and Cape Verdean Funaná Lentu. It remains one of my favorite examples of how I was able to bring my own musical background and rhythmic ideas into his recording while still serving Manel and his song.

     I always loved performing with Manel—not only because of his music, but because of the incredible energy and infectious positivity he brought everywhere he went. He was a truly unique person with a spirit entirely his own. Whether we were recording in the studio or performing together onstage, his enthusiasm and love for music were impossible to miss.

     Manel also appeared in the music video for “Blues e Amigos” by Dionisio Garcia, which is featured elsewhere on this site. I will include a link here so visitors can see another part of the musical history we shared.

     Manel battled cancer for 17 years, yet he never allowed the illness to define him or take away his love for music and life. He remained remarkably positive and continued fighting until the very end. That strength, optimism, and determination were at the heart of who he was, and they inspired everyone fortunate enough to know him.

     I will always treasure the albums we recorded, the performances we shared, and, most importantly, our friendship. Manel’s music, energy, and infectious positivity will remain with me forever.

Sara Tavares

February 1, 1978 – November 19, 2023

I first met Sara Tavares in Toronto in 2009, when I was contacted about possibly joining her band. That meeting became the beginning of a friendship I will always treasure.

Later, while I was living in Lisbon, Sara would call me, and we would go to small, intimate concerts and enjoy the music. We became close and shared many wonderful conversations.

After I moved to Cape Verde, I had the privilege of performing with Sara at several galas. I also worked with her on Kintal da Belinha, where I recorded her performance. Playing her music alongside her was an experience I will never forget.

Sara was an extraordinary person and remains one of my absolute favorite artists. Her music, her spirit, and the time we shared left a lasting impression on my life. I feel deeply fortunate not only to have worked with her, but also to have known her as a friend.

She is greatly missed and will always be remembered.