Ferro Gaita, Cape Verde

The name “Ferro Gaita” comes from the combination of two instruments, the ferro (piece of iron played with a knife) and the gaita (kind of accordeon), used to play the Funaná, style of traditional music more played by this band.

This style started in the 19th century with the arrival of the accordeon in Cape Verde, by the Portuguese priests, for the churches, but this instrument was taken over by the black and mulato slaves, that used him to sing their soul and their problems, motives that led it to be forbidden in public places until the independence in 1975.

In July 1996, three young musicians started the band that with the Ferro, Gaita, Drums and Bass, causing a revolution on the Capeverdean musical scene, reviving the traditional music from santiago island.

In June 1997, the band recorded in Rotterdam – Holland, the first CD called “Fundu Baxu”, with traditional music such as Funaná and Batuko, that was the most sold CD in Cape Verde in that year, recording two years later in 1999 the second CD called “Rei di tabanka” that had the addition of Tabanka to the other styles and was also a big success.

In 2001, the Band presented a compilation to the European market called “Rei di Funaná” and toured all over Europe in shows alone and under the wing of great Capeverdean artists such as Cesária Evora, Luis Morais and Ildo Lobo.

In 2002 the band was nominated to the Kora Awards (biggest prize in african music) as best traditional band.

In December 2003 the Band launched the third CD called “bandera Liberdadi”, that has been a big success in Cape Verde and abroad, adding the Ladainha and tabanka Reza to the other musical styles previously recorded.

In 2006, the Band recorded a Live CD and DVD, in front of more than 20.000 people, in celebration of its 10th aniversary that came out in december 2006.

In 2007 the band was given a cultural medal by the government and was honored by the minister of culture of cape verde for cultural services.

After a busy agenda of shows in 2007 and 2008, the band launched in December 22nd 2008, it´s 4th cd of originals called “Cidade Velha”.

In 2010 the band was honored by the president of cape verde and in 2011, 2012 and 2016 won the CVMA as best live band.

In 2015 the band put his 5th cd of originals called “Festa Fora” on the market.

April 29-May 1, 2017 The Rose Bud, 798 Arts Zone