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contents
Kimberly Goncalves 10 Music Artist
KImberly talks about her music experience.
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12 Cape Verdean Authors by Alice Monteiro
Cape Verdean Beauty 14 Sara DePina
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DMD by Mimi
05 Designer Josefa DaSilva Showcases her beautiful designs
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09 “MY LIFE�
Poem by Ymez Silva
Behind the music with Cleudir Cardoso by Claudina Silva interview by Jose Silva
p.18 Cape Verdean-American Fashion by Maritsa Barros aka Kriola Beleza
LOKuuRAZ Magazine Team: President, Graphic Designer: Jose C. Silva Chief Editor: Claudina Silva Writer, Fashion Coordinator: Maritsa Barros Photographers: Bruno DePina & 337 photos Models: Anice Brandao, Tossan Alli, Sara Depina & Sher Ece
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DMD by Mimi
Anice Montrond Brandao Proud Cape Verdean Born and raised in Boston Loves dancing, acting and modeling Student at Westfield State University “The most important thing to me is my family� http://www.facebook.com/aniceb https://twitter.com/TSanice
Tosan Alli AKA Susan “Tosan” Loves to model, sing, dance, write, read, and help others in any way possible. Born in Nigeria Works in Executive Management Support at a Telecom Corp. “I value hard work because it allows success to taste that much sweeter.” Via Email: susan.alli@yahoo.com Twitter: @NaijaSueTweet
Photographer: Bruno DePina Designer: Josefa DaSilva Make-up and Fashion coordinator: Maritsa Barros Models: Anice Brandao & Tosan Alli
DMD by Mimi Josefa DaSilva “DMD stands for Designed by Main Dore (Main means hand, and Dore means Black in french) Designed by black hand. In this shoot these garments were inspired by my brand name which was inspired by the nature of Africa and its history. I thought of Africa and visualized all of the goodness, and the richness from the mother land and what it has to offer. I pictured a girl in a gold lust dress wondering about her roots. I chose black because black represents Africa and the whole collection is called Black and Gold Diamonds.” “I was born in Fogo, Cape Verde and I am a student at the University of Massachusetts Boston graduating in December 2012. I am inspired by everyone. Whether I am walking down the street or sitting at my house I always get inspired by what people are wearing or not wearing. Even my own furniture in my house can give me inspiration.”
Contact me via my email at josefa@bfwtac.com On facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/DMDbymimi-Action-In-African-Fashion My website is DMDBYMIMI.COM
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DMD by Mimi
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“My Life” by Ymez Silva
My Life Is a ship, stranded In the middle Of a Tempestuous sea; Torn between The past and An uncertain future.... Sadly, The present Is a coward, Hidden behind Failures of fairy-tales; Much too frail To face reality... Beneath a sky Of blind stars I sleep with open eyes Trying to find Secrets; But the night Is just too wise; I always wake-up With a broken heart... Relentlessly, I chase after something; Though I can’t tell What it is, I Know it is missing; Time does not wait I pray for a miracle A sign of hope And freedom; My greatest sin Is to live in suffering; I don’t know if I deserve it But please have mercy; Faith is slowly fleeting Rescue me, From my existence....
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Kimberly Goncalves Music Artist by Maritsa Barros
“My strongest influence to keep singing is my dad”
LOKuuRAZ Magazine had the pleasure and honor of sitting down with an amazing vocal and lyrical artist, Kimberly Goncalves. Kimberly is creative, multi-talented and describes herself as “Jill of all traits.” She was born in Brockton, MA on July 17, 1981 to parents who migrated from the Cape Verde islands. She is one of 14 siblings in total, and grew up in a very cultured home with influences from many of the islands of Cape Verde. The music, dance, food and ethnic dialects consumed and molded her in her upbringing. For the ‘80s babies, you may remember her from her first album Distancia with hits like Lembra and Distancia. Her sophomore album has dropped and Kim is all grown up. She is bringing us a more mature sound, and taking us deeper into her life. Being involved in every bit of the process has allowed her to deliver us a product she is very proud of. Take a stroll with me and learn all about the sounds of what Kimberly calls “Zouk-Pop.” How would you describe your music for the public audience who has never heard your music before? I would describe it as eclectic because it is so many different styles. I would describe it as Americanized, Cape Verdean. I bring so much of the soul/R&B singing to my Cape Verdean singing. I feel I bring the pop to the zouk, it’s kind of like a zouk-pop. Everyone may not get it but I’m funky, I’m different. (she chuckles) What made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music? Wow, actually I used to dance with a group a long time ago, and one day we had a rehearsal for this band and they needed a lead vocalist. I’ve always loved singing and used to sing in church and school, but I never really sought out singing like that until I started hearing Dje Dje, Stacy, Timmy and other people from here singing.
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I was inspired and started liking Cape Verdean music more. One day I went to the studio and I fell in love! All the buttons, all the lights, just the magic of the mic, the aura, I fell head over heels. I knew this is my home, this is where I belong! Soon after that I got a chance! A producer by the name of Julio asked me to sing for him and he gave me my big break; he changed my life. I immediately became more dedicated to my music. I started writing poems and songs, and I am so proud to say that I have written almost every song on both of my albums. Thinking back to early childhood, what was your first experience with music like? What song do you remember most as a child? I can remember very young holding myself up dancing to the beat of music. Singing for the first time, I remember listening to Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. I would hear their songs and I’d want to mimic them and be just like them. The one song I remember singing as I grew up was “I believe the children are our future.” That was my song! (she goes into song) What was the first song you ever sang? What did it feel like? The first song I ever sang was at a talent show in Jr. High School. I had never told my peers that I can sing and I sang Groove Theory’s Tell Me. I actually won first place and it felt amazing that everyone recognized I can sing. It made me realize it wasn’t just in my head, and I just took that energy to start learning about Cape Verdean music and build my talent. Does anyone in particular influence your musical talent? There are a lot of influences really. As far as old school Cape Verdean, Cesaria is a big inspiration for me. I am crazy about her
but other than her, a big inspiration for me was a gospel singer. Her last name slips my mind but Helen was not famous or even someone who made a CD. She was a singer in our church and she could sing! And when she sang you would just get this feeling over your body and I would think wow, that’s how I want to sing.
like her.” It was amazing and made me even more motivated. A lot of people remember and were influenced by your first album Distancia; tell me about the evolution to your now sophomore album Let’s Dance.
How much creative control do you have over your own music?
The evolution actually took a long time, about ten years. From Distancia to Let’s Dance, it was a long road. A lot of things happened between those years, some tragic and some happy, a lot of traveling and definitely a lot of growing up. That has been the evolution that is reflected in my new album.
Well, on my first album I didn’t have as much creative control because I had someone who told me, hey this melody is better than this one or do this instead of this. This was good because I got to learn as well, but it didn’t allow me to express my own creativity like I did on my second album. On my second album, I got to go wild and do whatever I wanted to do, and work with whoever I wanted. I was a part of every step of the process. How long does it take you to write a song? Oh, it all depends. I can write a song in a second; I can see something that inspires me and it gets me going. I hear a beat and the melody and boom, I already have the lyrics and a chorus. And sometimes I can hear a song and it can take a long time, but really if the song is taking a long time it’s because it is not a good song. I just scratch it out and move on. What has been your strongest influence to continue performing? My strongest influence to keep singing is my dad. (she sighs) My dad passed away in 2004, he was murdered and it was a crazy thing. At first it made me shut down but soon after, it gave me the motivation to sing even more because he is now far away. I knew that when I did sing he would be hearing me. Do you have any fan comments or stories on how your music has affected or changed them? Yes. I hear from older people to younger people. They tell me about the songs they love and encourage me to keep singing. But it hit me one day when a young girl came into my dental office and said, “mommy, mommy it’s her, I saw her on TV, it’s her. I want to be just
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What is your favorite song on the new album? My favorite song on the new album is Track 4, “When I’m with you.” I had so much fun with that song and it’s my favorite for a number of reasons. To mention a couple, it was produced by Elji and written by my younger sister, when she was 12. Where can old and new fans pick up or download your new album? Fans can pick up my album in Brockton, Dorchester, Pawtucket and on-line, using the keyword “Kimberly Tchada Records” What advice would you give to young aspiring song writers/ musicians? I’d say to go for it. Don’t wait for it, go after your dreams. Have the mentality to make yourself a star and don’t wait for someone else. Also, don’t be afraid to step out of your box and collaborate with others as well. It’s about owning your craft and showing others what makes you unique. Be sure to pick up or download Kimberly’s new album Let’s Dance and check out her new video for her remake of Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart.”
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Cape Verdean Authors by Alice Monteiro
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I am a native of Marion, Massachusetts, but I currently reside in Greenville, South Carolina. You could say I stumbled upon becoming an author. I didn’t always aspire to write; however, after my children and I were miraculously delivered from a cult-like organization, I began journaling to feel normal again and, hopefully, gain insight on the events we endured. In the midst of my writing, I realized that I was, in fact, composing a book. Some twelve years later, in 2007, I had Saved by Grace, A Gift from God published by Xulon Press, thus, an author was born. Although it was initially not part of my plan, it was a part of God’s master plan for me, and it manifested right on time. The year 2007 served as my “coming out”, as I also won a contest for a short story I wrote, titled Jesus’ Saving Arms. The prize? My piece was published in Xulon Press’ Praise Reports, Inspiring Real-Life Stories of How God Works Miracles Today. I have acquired a profound appreciation for the written word; so, in April of 2010, I started my own publishing company, A. Monterio Publishing. At the prompting of my mother, the first book I authored and published under my new company is Pep Stephen, I Live with My Mom. In the summer of 2009, my nine year old son, Colby Harrison Brown, and I collaborated on this fun to read, colorfully illustrated, children’s book. In May 2010, the book became a reality. Pep Stephen is about a little boy in a single-parent home who does very well despite his adverse circumstance. He is an “A” Honor Roll student and a great help to his mom. Essentially, the characters in this book reflect us and our lifestyle. We plan to write an entire series of this little fella, and each will have a P.S. message on the back. Our hope is that it will encourage other children who live with one parent. We hope that they realize they are equal to everyone else, and that they can be great achievers with a little hard work. Colby is an “A” Honor Roll student in the fourth grade and the youngest of four children. His siblings are in their middle to late twenties and have their own homes. Colby has lots of ambition for such a young boy and hopes for a bright future. I’ve been through many difficulties in my life, but have always come through victoriously; that, I attribute to our Heavenly Father. That is why I love writing inspirational books about “real stuff ”. Please keep reading and look for more books by me and Colby. Also, look for the new Pep Song, soon to come! I believe that people can overcome the most adverse situation with God’s help. I believe that all things are possible through Jesus Christ who strengthens us. Love and Laughter. Bless You All.
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cape verdean beauty Photographer: 377photos Dress designed by: Celina
sara Depina
Is 23 years old. She is from Fogo, Cabo Verde. She has lived in the US for the past five years. She has the potential of becoming a big star. Check her out on the new movie “Bon Vida� based on a Cape Verdean family living in the USA.
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designer: tenstar
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Behind the Music with
Cleudir Cardoso by Claudina Silva interview by Jose Silva
Cleudir Cardoso is a Cape Verdean music producer. Being an eclectic musician, he has also been known to wear many other hats in the music industry including arranger, producer, keyboardist and recording/mixing engineer. Born in Fogo, Cleudir moved from island to island very often, first to Sao Vicente where he lived for a while, next to Sao Nicolau where he spent two years, then Sal for another 3 years and finally returning to Sao Vicente when he was 9 years old. He came to the US at the age of 18, where he has been living since. Arriving here, he immediately went to work, enrolling at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and ultimately obtained his degree in CIS (Computer Information and Science). “Once I graduated, I pretty much hit the ground running doing what I do now,” Cleudir said. His music career started at the mere age of 12 when he DJ-ed with his uncle in Cape Verde. At first, he would play in small house parties. Eventually, he started working with Platinum Recording Studios in Boston, which was operated by Kiki Mendes, one of his close relatives. Having already fallen in love with music at this point, particularly with the production area, Cleudir started to build his network and released his first full length recording song, “Dinheru,” featuring Zeny and Elida. Soon after, he was introduced to Silvino (Nefariouz Records) and Filinto DaRosa with whom he began collaborating on several tracks. Before he knew it, Cleudir’s work was being recognized around the streets of Boston, becoming especially popular among the community’s younger crowd. Still in school, he kept his dream alive running a small workstation in his college dorm and getting to know other big names in the industry. He was now producing a few tracks with Djedje (rapper), Temblessed, Niecy and others around the New Bedford area. Initially, he worked free of charge in various studios to get his foot in the door and work on his networking and experience in the field. Cleudir’s music career took off and he became a trusted recording/mixing engineer, a highly demanded keyboardist and an adored producer. His engineering experience ranges from working at Rolling Tracks Studios, Kreation Studios, Chacha Music, and NexGen’s Music Lab. In addition, along with Puto Lopes, another bright upcoming young producer, he is running NexGen Music, a production company that has produced many well known songs and projects with various artists, as examples we have “The Feeling of Love” (New Faces Ft. Tania), Ban D’Agu (Ja & Boia). Currently, he is also preparing for shows and tours with his band “New Faces” for the promotion of their recently released album, “New Faces Ft. Tania” (March 2012). All in all, collaboration with others in the industry has been a major bonus for Cleudir, as he has worked with many pro’s in the industry including Beto Dias, Jorge Neto, Nando Da Cruz, Vargas, Izidora, Sandro, Ze Delgado (X-Treme), Ferro Gaita, Lo ( Promessa), Suzy Fernandes, Delano Barbosa, Tania DeBarros, Juceila, Sandro, Feel Bass, Gilyto, Gau Salgado, Galvao, Kabo Kenti Boys and Nelson Jr., just to name a few.
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“Music to me is as important as water, food or anything that I need to live,” said Cleudir. “I don’t think that I would be able to go on without it in my life,” he added. One of Cleudir’s greatest musical influences is the Cape Verdean band Splash. He was introduced to Manu Soares from the group on one of their tours to the islands, and his love for keyboards only grew from then on. Splash’s album “Simplicidade” is one of his all time favorite albums. Around the same time, he also fell in love with the work of Grace Evora and Beto Dias. The producers who have impacted Cleudir most are Djoy Delgado, Klaudio Ramos and Manu Lima. However, there is one who stands out among these great producers, and that would be George Rosario. “I admire him greatly for his momentum and creativity,” Cleudir said. Some other influential figures in the industry include Dabs Lopes and Mark G, as well as Polo Da Don, Red One and Timberland, from an international standpoint. According to Cleudir, the greatest inspirational drive in music is the joy and happiness he feels every time he plays the piano. “It is such a healing process for me,” he stated. “Many people think of music with a business mindset but I think of it primarily as art,” he affirmed. Another major motivating factor is seeing how his work can positively impact others’ lives: “It is truly a blessing,” Cleudir said. “When you love something so much and it is dear to you as music is to me, you barely need any motivation at all,” he added. Nowadays music has become second nature for Cleudir. He plans to keep doing what he does, and is eager to get started on projects that are lining up. Cleudir also plans to open his own professional recording studio, where he hopes to welcome other upcoming talented artists and expects many magical moments to take place, at least musically. “The best advice that I would give to someone who is trying to pursue a music career, whether it be singer, producer or any other title in the industry, is to work as hard as you need to in order to become the best that you can become,” Cleudir stated. “It’s important to keep an open mind because most of the time knowledge will come from where you least expect it,” he affirmed. Based on his experience, he has found that as with businesses in general, knowledge is a significant factor; however, the music industry also relies a lot on creativity. Most of the time, success is measured on that alone. Aspiring artists should do their research and look to get involved as much as possible with the available opportunities. “What I’ll say to anyone pursuing music is to be very dedicated to your craft and prepared to encounter many obstacles,” Cleudir said. He added that “being strong and staying true to who you are and what you love is key; but in the mean time get ready because you may be entering one of the best rides of your life!”
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Summer is coming... what’s your summer look? With Model Sher Ece photography by 337 photos
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Picture by IMAGIX Studio
W.Lee Thurston Jr. 337PHOTOS Boston, MA 337photoslee@gmail.com www.337photos.com 22
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Cape VerdeanAmerican Fashion by Maritsa Barros aka Kriola Beleza Dress designed by Celina
C
ape Verdeans are becoming more prevalent in the Fashion world. Cape Verdeans from the homeland and descendants of Cape Verde are influenced by American and European Fashion in creating their own unique style - Cape Verdean American Fashion (CV-AF). Cape Verdeans locally are making great strides in the area of Fashion Design. For instance, Celina Loff is originally from Santiago, Cape Verde but was living in Portugal when she decided to move to the United States in 1981. Celina graduated with a degree in Fashion Design from Newbury College and opened Celina’s Tailoring & Dry Cleaning in Stoughton, MA in July 2010. She has hosted and/or been involved in a number of fashion shows. One time she made 17 bridesmaids dresses in one week! You can visit Celina on 4 Porter Street, Stoughton, MA 02072 for tailoring, dry cleaning & custom designs. Another great example is Josefa Da Silva, a 25 year- old Fashion designer, whose fashion line is called DMD. DMD stands for Designed by Main Dore (Main means hand, and Dore means Black in French) Designed by Black Hand. .She is originally from Fogo, Cape Verde and is now completing her Bachelor’s Degree this December at UMass Boston. As founder of The African Chapter @ Boston Fashion Week, Cape Verde Fashion Week, Josefa is breaking ground in the Fashion world. Josefa created Cabo Verde Fashion Week (CVFW) “to help facilitate the growth of the fashion industry on the islands, and support the emerging designers & modeling talents.” “We will be accomplishing this goal by connecting this unique city with fashion resources in NYC, Boston, LA and Europe,” Josefa stated. Get more information about Cabo Verde Fashion Week by liking them on Facebook.
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nother area of Fashion that is also blooming in the Cape Verdean community is in the area of modeling competitions. Miss West Africa is a unique competition with contestants from all over the world. Miss West Africa International 2012 is in fact a Cape Verdean native. Ms. Ivanilda “Vanny” Reis was first casted and crowned in Cape Verde as Miss West Africa – Cape Verde (MWACV) in July 2011. She then went off to compete in the internationals, December 2011, in Gambia, Africa where she triumphed on her own (with the support from family and friends around the world) and was crowned in Gambia, Africa. She is our queen, Miss West Africa
International! She was crowned out of 24 women representing different West African countries. Thus far in her reign as queen, she is living out her humanitarian objectives. She is a founding member of the WEDOCARE group that has a strong mission to build character and a social framework, targeting in particular the most vulnerable sections of the population in Cape Verde. Their main purpose is to promote cultural activities, academia and recreational sports, in order to raise money to assist those most in need. “The best way to change our world is to change the world around us,” said Vanny. Vanny is not a typical pageant queen / model. She received her undergraduate degree in physical education from Universidade Estadual Da Paraiba, Campina Grande-Brasil and her graduate degree from Universidade Integradas de Patos, Campina Grande- Paraiba , Brazil. She has played forward for Cape Verde Senior Basketball National team in Lisbon (2009) and managed 35 plus shows in Europe, South America, and Africa. Two years ago, she teamed up to start Vaiss Models Inc. in Praia, Cape Verde. To get more information about Vanny’s reign as Queen, like her page on Facebook- Vanny Reis (Miss West Africa Cape Verde 2011). For information about the team behind MWACV, visit the Urban International Media Group at http://www.UIMG.wordpress.com. The search for the 2012 Miss West Africa –Cape Verde is set to take place in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde this summer. Like you, I am excited to see who will be the next Miss West Africa-Cape Verde. Will she follow in Vanny’s footsteps and bring the crown home? Only time will tell. April 2012 / LOKuuRAZ
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