The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the Family of Cape Verde songstress Cesária Évora.

Following is the text of the message of condolences sent by President Aníbal Cavaco Silva:

“On behalf of all the Portuguese and in my own personal name I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the Family of Cesária Évora, an eloquent symbol of the music and the soul of Cape Verde, to who’s governing officers I also address my feelings of sympathy.

A unique artist, who was so singularly able to express the culture and the musical tradition of her land, far beyond the borders of the Portuguese Language, Cesária Évora’s memory is worthy of our highest regard.

It is with grief that I pay my tribute to Cesária Évora, whose passing away bereaves not just the Nation of Cape Verde but all of the Portuguese Speaking Community, at the same time as it bequeaths great nostalgia to those who heard her sing the very deepest feelings of her Country’s music, a heritage that will continue to be shared amongst all of us.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva