Born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, “Candida Rose” Baptista is a 2nd generation American-born Cape Verdean. She is a vocalist, song-writer, entertainer, music and cultural educator, as well as a mother and grandmother.

Her 10-song debut CD entitled “KabuMerikana: The Sum of Me”, combines her Cape Verdean musical roots with her American (primarily jazz) influences, a mixture she calls “KabuJazz”. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth where she graduated “Summa Cum Laude” with a Bachelor of Arts – Music Degree, specializing in African-American/World music performance, with a minor in African-American Studies.

In addition, she recently graduated from UMASS Boston with a Masters of Science Degree in Transnational, Cultural, and Community Studies (now known as Critical Ethnic and Community Studies). As a working performer, in addition to her work with various jazz, R&B, and Cape Verdean musical groups, through her company Golden Rose Music, Candida spends her days traveling the SouthCoast region of Massachusetts and Rhode Island as a Life Enrichment Entertainer singing for Nursing Home, Assisted Living and Adult Day Care facilities, as well as for various senior groups and associations. It is said that she captivates her audiences and stirs them with a uniquely compelling voice that combines the overtones and undertones of jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel with just the right touch of international spice.