Praia

Praia is the capital city of Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa. It is currently newsworthy due to its role as a cultural hub, particularly in the realm of music. Recently, Praia hosted two significant music festivals: the Atlantic Music Expo (AME) and the Kriol Jazz Festival. The AME, held between April 6th and 9th, brought together music industry professionals from around the world. Following the AME, the Kriol Jazz Festival, from April 9th to 11th, featured performances by artists such as Ismaël Lo from Senegal and "Les autres étoiles du Zaire" from Congo. These events highlight Cape Verde's ambition to leverage culture, especially music, as a driver for economic development and a tool for diplomacy, even amidst global economic challenges. The festivals underscore Praia's growing importance as a center for international music exchange and cultural promotion.