Cesária Évora to be honored with exhibition in Paris and name for public school

The iconic Cape Verdean singer Cesária Évora will be honored in Paris with a public exhibition by the River Seine and will give her name to a school in the French capital's 19th district. The decision was validated this week by the Paris City Council, consolidating the legacy of the "Barefoot Diva" in the city that profoundly marked her international career.

The exhibition will be held between April 28 and June 2 at the Châtelet quay, in the heart of the city, organized by the association "Les Arts voyagent", founded by a French-Cape Verdean lawyer. According to city councillor Hermano Sanches, who is responsible for the initiative, the tribute recognizes not only the artist, but also her cultural contributions and her links with France and the Lusophone world.

"Cesária Évora was and still is a Parisian. This exhibition aims to go beyond simple historical testimony, exploring the image she conveyed to the world and the impact she had on Portuguese-speaking communities," said the councillor.

The tribute is also part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Lusophone countries, an important milestone for collective memory and for the appreciation of female figures in the French public sphere.

Cesária had previously been honored with a street in Paris (2014) and a garden (2019). Now, the artist's name will be given to a multipurpose public school, reinforcing the city's commitment to recognizing women of international prominence.

The exhibition will highlight emblematic moments of Cize's career in Paris, such as her concerts at the Olympia in 1992 and 1993, at the Zénith, in 2001, and at the Le Grand Rex, in 2004 - renowned venues where great names in world music have performed.

According to Sanches, the aim is for the exhibition to circulate to other cities, schools and institutions, ensuring that Cesária's legacy continues to inspire future generations.