Born: 27 August 1941, Cape Verde
Died: 17 December 2011
Country most active: Cape Verde
Also known as: Cize
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Explore Cesária Évora’s Musical Journey
Meet Cize, the Cape Verdean singer-songwriter who left a lasting impact. With her Grammy-winning album “Voz d’Amor,” her voice resonated worldwide.
Known as the “Barefoot Diva,” she captured hearts performing shoeless, earning the title “Queen of Morna.”
Starting in Mindelo’s bars, Évora gained international fame in the 1990s.
Singing on Portuguese ships, she dazzled with “Ausência” in Emir Kusturica’s “Underground.”
Her debut “La Diva Aux Pieds Nus” and 1992’s “Miss Perfumado” marked milestones, along with her timeless song “Sodade.”
Awards followed, including Grammys and the KORA All African Music Awards.
Collaborations and causes filled her journey. She passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy that still shines.