Biography
Born in 1964 on the island of Sao Nicolau, Cape Verdean guitarist, songwriter, and singer Teofilo Chantre later settled in São Vicente. Music surrounded him from childhood, as his father worked as a renowned lyricist within Mindelo, Cape Verde’s lively artistic center. During his early teens he moved to France and began exploring guitar and composition. Within a few years his attention shifted to the songs of his homeland. Growing recognition among Portuguese music figures followed, including producer Jose DaSilva.
In 1991 DaSilva placed several of Chantre’s compositions on Césaria Évora’s album Miss Perfumado, which achieved widespread commercial success. The resulting partnership with Évora brought the previously little-known songwriter broad exposure. This visibility soon enabled Chantre to issue his own polished solo recordings, beginning with Terra & Cretcheu in 1993. The debut mixed familiar Cape Verdean material with Brazilian, Caribbean, Spanish, and jazz-influenced elements. Years spent in Paris had introduced him to wider influences that he combined with his Afro-Portuguese heritage. Di Alma appeared in 1997, followed by Rodatempo in 2000. After a live album in 2002, Azulando in 2007 sustained a presence on world music charts in Europe and the States.
In 1991 DaSilva placed several of Chantre’s compositions on Césaria Évora’s album Miss Perfumado, which achieved widespread commercial success. The resulting partnership with Évora brought the previously little-known songwriter broad exposure. This visibility soon enabled Chantre to issue his own polished solo recordings, beginning with Terra & Cretcheu in 1993. The debut mixed familiar Cape Verdean material with Brazilian, Caribbean, Spanish, and jazz-influenced elements. Years spent in Paris had introduced him to wider influences that he combined with his Afro-Portuguese heritage. Di Alma appeared in 1997, followed by Rodatempo in 2000. After a live album in 2002, Azulando in 2007 sustained a presence on world music charts in Europe and the States.
Albums
