The Ministry expressed sorrow over the death of “a rare figure in the musical landscape,” emphasizing that Vasco Martins held “an almost unique place in the Cape Verdean classical music scene, where he created a vast, innovative, and influential body of work.”
Described as a “singular creator,” Martins was a symphonist, pianist, guitarist, novelist, musicologist, essayist, poet, and sound designer, renowned for uniquely connecting Cape Verdean musical tradition with classical music codes.
The Ministry recalls that São Vicente island was the center of his artistic creation.
His discography exceeds 26 titles, including Universo da Ilha, Quinto Mundo, Ritual Periférico, Sublime Delight, Apeiron, Li Sin, As Quatro Sinfonias, Danças de Câncer, and Partum Spiralis.
The composer’s legacy is also “present in the cultural landscape” of the country, notably in the score he created that adorns the facade of the new National Center for Art, Crafts, and Design, inaugurated in 2022.
“Cape Verde loses a genius; his music remains eternal,” the statement concluded.
The Office of the President also mourned the musician, describing him as “one of the most prominent figures of contemporary Cape Verdean culture.”
“Author of a vast, innovative, and singular body of work, he dedicated his life to musical creation, masterfully exploring the fusion between Cape Verdean tradition and new aesthetic languages. His contribution to the national artistic heritage is immense and will remain an unavoidable reference of our cultural identity,” the note stated.
The City Council of São Vicente joined the tributes, calling Vasco Martins a “unique figure of Cape Verdean culture and one of the most prominent names in the country’s musical creation.”
“Among symphonies, orchestral compositions, instrumental pieces, and sounds that dialogue with nature, he left a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Mindelo was the center of his creation: here he composed, experimented, and built a rich and singular discography,” it added.
Born in Portugal to a Cape Verdean father and a Portuguese mother, he moved to São Vicente at the age of nine, where he grew up, learned music, and developed his entire body of work.
His symphonic works were presented in various countries, including Portugal, France, Brazil, and Japan.
