The Atlantic Music Expo (AME) opened on April 10 in Praia, Cape Verde, despite the country’s economic crisis. The event is a week-long celebration of music, with the prestigious Kriol Jazz Festival set to follow later in the week. Professionals and developing groups from all over the world have come together to showcase their talents and network. The AME is a real bubble of oxygen in Cape Verde, providing a much-needed source of hope and inspiration.
The organization of the Atlantic Music Expo has been a real headache, with a tight budget of 150,000 euros, half public and half private. Despite the challenges, director Augusto Veiga and his team have managed to put together a program of conferences and nearly thirty concerts, all of which are completely free. The event is a testament to the power of culture to bring people together and lift spirits in difficult times.
Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva has been a strong advocate for the AME and the importance of culture for the development of his country. Despite the economic crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, the Prime Minister believes that maintaining trust is important and that culture must remain a priority. He sees the AME as an opportunity to showcase the talent of Cape Verdeans and to demonstrate the country’s resilience in the face of adversity.
As the AME and the Kriol Jazz Festival take place over the week, they will provide a much-needed boost to the spirits of the people of Cape Verde. These events are a reminder of the power of music and culture to bring joy, hope, and inspiration to people, even in the most difficult of times. The AME is a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Cape Verde, and to their commitment to making culture a priority for the development of their country.