Djiki Silva, a musical journey through islands, cultures and emotions

The passion for music blossomed early in Djiki's life. As a teenager, he explored the sounds of the organ and guitar in the seminaries, where sacred music and religious chants shaped his musical ear. On Sundays, his guitar echoed in the masses on the island of Sal, demonstrating his precocious talent. On the island of Brava, he had the opportunity to learn from the late violinist Josezinho, a master who guided him through his first steps in the world of strings. At the age of 19, he joined a musical group, playing rhythm guitar, a brief but remarkable experience.

Moving to the United States to pursue his university studies didn't keep Djiki away from music. In the 1980s, he started playing guitar and singing at friends' parties, revealing a talent for songwriting. It was at this time that his first songs began to take shape. Meeting Vuca Pinheiro opened doors to bigger stages, such as the Ideal Club and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where his music began to resonate with a wider audience.

In 2007, Djiki released his album "Tera Grandi", a masterpiece with ten original compositions, both in words and music. The album is a celebration of the places he has lived, the people he has met and the languages he has learned. The songs, sung in Creole, Portuguese, Spanish and English, are a testament to his linguistic versatility and his ability to connect with different cultures through music. "Tera Grandi" is available on all digital platforms, allowing the world to discover his music.

His musical career took a break while he dedicated himself to his teaching profession. However, after his retirement, the flame of music was rekindled with full force. Over the last two years, Djiki has performed on various stages, such as 10 Rocks Tapas Bar & Restaurant, the Morna Lounge Bar & Grill and the Cape Verdean Vets Hall in New Bedford, demonstrating that his passion for music has never gone out.

During his summer vacation in 2024, Djiki returned to Cape Verde, where he performed a series of memorable concerts. On the island of Brava, he sang at the annual gathering of emigrants during the São João festivities. In Santiago, for five weeks, his music echoed at venues such as Quintal da Musica, Hotel Vulcão and Restaurante Nice Kriola, among others. Currently, he is delighting audiences at the Algarve Restaurant in New Bedford with his Cape Verdean nights, accompanied by Yah-Yass & Nando Fernandes.

Djiki's musical influences are as diverse as his own life. His childhood on the island of Brava was rocked by the serenades of mornas and the marches of the New Year's and King's celebrations. Adolescence on the island of Sal opened the door to international music, especially Brazilian. His stay in Cape Verde during his high school years cemented his passion for Cape Verdean music.

His move to the United States intensified his exposure to international music. As a university student, he ventured into the study of the Spanish language and Hispanic literature, absorbing Latin culture and music. Cuban music, in particular the Nueva Trova of Silvio Rodríguez and Pablo Milanés, became one of his great passions.

All these influences have shaped his unique musical style, which is reflected in the songs of "Tera Grandi". Djiki continues to delight audiences with mornas, coladeiras, funanás and romantic Brazilian and Latin songs, adapting her repertoire to different tastes and audiences.

For those who don't know him and for friends, Djiki Silva will be performing on April 26, 2025 at 10 Rocks Tapas & Bar Restaurant.

M.S.