Leonel Almeida

Leonel Almeida (born May 17, 1952 in the island of São Vicente, Cape Verde) is a Cape Verdean singer. He began his career at the age of 17 and was member of the group Birds, next to the famous guitarist and producer Paulino Vieira. Singe that time, he recorded numerous versions of songs from other groups. Leonel Almeida was called to the Portuguese army at the age of 20. His experienced was a turning point of his life, partly that which politically awakened and began to sing intervention songs
Later on, he formed a part of the group Voz de Cabo Verde with other members including Tito Paris, he worked with the legendary saxophonist Luís Morais. Along with the group, he toured in Europe, the United States of America and parts of Africa he had recorded some albums with the main vocalist.
The disc Ninho Magoado showed "morabeza" in the Cape Verde Islands.
Today, Leonel Almeida lives in Lisbon where he keeps actively on musical interpretations and as a specialist on African cooking during his pastime.