Music and Culture in Africa’s 2028 Capital of Culture

Cape Verde has been designated as the African Capital of Culture for 2028, a recognition that follows the successful hosting of two international music festivals in April 2026. The West African archipelago is utilizing its deep musical heritage to strengthen its cultural diplomacy and promote its status as a bridge between Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

The designation, granted by the African Union, positions the island nation to lead continental cultural initiatives in 2028. This appointment recognizes the country’s ability to preserve traditional art forms while integrating contemporary global influences, specifically within its music and performing arts sectors.

The cultural momentum accelerated in April 2026, when the nation hosted two major international music festivals. These events drew artists and spectators from across the globe, showcasing a blend of traditional Cape Verdean rhythms and international genres including jazz and samba.

Central to the nation’s cultural identity is morna, a melancholic and soulful music genre that serves as a symbol of national pride. Morna is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, reflecting the history of the islands and the experience of the Cape Verdean diaspora.

The music of Cape Verde is characterized by its focus on themes of longing, love, and the sea. Morna often utilizes the guitar, cavaquinho, and violin to create a sound that echoes the archipelago’s history of migration and isolation in the central Atlantic Ocean.

Alongside morna, the country promotes coladeira, a faster, more upbeat genre that evolved from morna. While morna focuses on nostalgia, coladeira is often used for social commentary and celebration, frequently featuring rhythmic patterns that overlap with Caribbean and Latin American styles.

The influence of samba and jazz in the region highlights the ongoing exchange between Cape Verde and the broader Lusophone world, particularly Brazil. This fusion is evident in the performances seen during the April 2026 festivals, where local musicians collaborated with international artists to blend African polyrhythms with jazz improvisation.

The city of Mindelo on the island of São Vicente remains the primary hub for this artistic activity. Known as the cultural capital of the archipelago, Mindelo has historically been a port of call for international sailors and traders, facilitating the import of diverse musical styles that have since been synthesized into a unique local sound.

The African Capital of Culture program is designed to celebrate the diversity of African identities and foster integration across the continent. By securing the 2028 title, Cape Verde intends to implement a series of infrastructure projects and artistic programs aimed at enhancing the visibility of its heritage.

Government officials have indicated that the preparations for 2028 will focus on expanding the capacity of local museums and theaters. The goal is to create a sustainable cultural ecosystem that supports local artists and attracts long-term investment in the creative industries.

The role of the Cape Verdean diaspora is also central to these efforts. With more citizens living abroad than within the islands, the diaspora—often referred to as the tenth island—acts as a primary conduit for the global dissemination of Cape Verdean music and art.

This global network was highly visible during the April 2026 festivals, as thousands of Cape Verdeans from the United States, Portugal, and the Netherlands returned to the islands. These gatherings serve not only as musical events but as essential reunions that reinforce national identity.

The integration of music into daily life in Cape Verde extends beyond formal festivals. Music is frequently performed in public squares, cafes, and homes, maintaining a living tradition that is passed down through generations without the need for formal institutionalization.

As the nation moves toward 2028, the focus remains on balancing the commercialization of tourism with the preservation of authentic cultural expressions. The government aims to ensure that the influx of visitors attracted by the African Capital of Culture designation does not dilute the traditional practices of the islands.

The combination of the recent festival successes and the upcoming 2028 designation marks a strategic period of growth for the nation’s soft power. By leveraging its unique position as a multicultural crossroads, Cape Verde continues to assert its influence within the African Union and the international community.