Quick Facts
Biography
Maria de Barros (born February 3, 1961 in Dakar, Senegal) is a singer most associated with Cape Verde, the land of her parents. However, she lived in Nouakchott and Providence, Rhode Island in her youth. She is married to bassist. Mel Wilson Jr.
She considers Cesária Évora to be her godmother and an inspiration. Her music thus has Morna influences, but she also has Latin or salsa influences.
Besides Évora she is a fan of Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Willy Chirino, and Sting. She is also fluent and has recorded songs in several languages, including her native Portuguese, French, Spanish, German, and English.
She went on tour in Europe, in 2008. That summer, she also performed in Princeton, New Jersey's Petronello Gardens.
She was awarded the Lunas del Auditório Award and in 2011 the CVMA Music Award for Best Morna/Coladeira for "Reggadera".
Discography
- 2003 Nha Mundo ("My World")
- 2005 Dança Ma Mi ("Dance With Me")
- 2009 Morabeza ("Hospitality")