coladeira

Coladeira is a Cape Verdean music genre and dance characterized by an upbeat, lively tempo and concise song structures. It emerged in the mid-20th century within urban communities on the islands, particularly in centers such as Praia and Mindelo, as a more dance-oriented counterpart to the slower morna. The term coladeira denotes a brisk, catchy style designed for social dancing and entertainment.

Musically, coladeira features a strong, driving rhythm often in 2/4 or 4/4 time, with prominent percussion, guitar-like instruments such as the viola and cavaquinho, and sometimes brass or keyboard lines. Vocals are expressive and can include improvisation, wit, and playful or flirtatious lyrics. The style blends Cape Verdean melodic sensibilities with Afro-Portuguese and Latin influences, producing a bracing, accessible sound that invites movement and audience participation.

Historically, coladeira contributed to the shaping of contemporary Cape Verdean popular music alongside morna and funaná. It spread with Cape Verdean migration and the growth of urban radio and recording scenes, helping to define a national sound that resonated in the Cape Verdean diaspora in Portugal, the Netherlands, the United States, and beyond.

Today, coladeira remains a staple of Cape Verdean music and performance, frequently heard in live concerts and recordings. It continues to evolve through fusion with other genres and new production styles, maintaining its role as a vibrant, danceable expression of Cape Verdean musical identity.