morna

Morna is a music genre from Cape Verde, a lusophone island nation off the coast of West Africa. It developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is often described as melancholic and soulful, expressing longing and emotional restraint. The term morna is believed to derive from Portuguese and is associated with a mournful or lyrical mood.

Musically, morna blends African rhythms with European harmonies and Portuguese fado influences. It is commonly performed in Cape Verdean Creole and features slow to moderate tempos. Typical instrumentation includes voice accompanied by guitar or cavaquinho, sometimes with violin, piano, accordion, and occasional brass or percussion. The vocal style is understated, emphasizing clear phrasing and expressive dynamics.

Lyrically, morna centers on themes of love, departure and exile, memories of home, migration, the sea, and nostalgia. The songs are characterized by their lyrical depth and haunting melodies, often conveying a sense of saudade, or wistful longing.

Originating in urban centers such as Mindelo and Praia, morna gained national prominence in the mid-20th century and later international recognition through artists such as Ildo Lobo, Bana, Cesária Évora, and Tito Paris. Cesária Évora, known as the "Barefoot Diva," helped bring morna to a global audience in the 1990s and 2000s. Today, morna remains a central element of Cape Verdean musical identity and continues to evolve through contemporary interpretations while retaining its traditional roots.