MUSIC
As an artist, Candida works creatively in the medium of sound, and has released two studio albums, which bring her deep knowledge of Cabo Verdean genres like the slow, lilting morna and the polyrhythmic batuku and her training in jazz musicianship into an exciting fusion that she calls “KabuJazz.” She founded and spearheads the KabuJazz Ensemble, which spins Cabo Verdean classics with jazz flavor in regular gigs across New England. Her 10-song debut album, KabuMerikana: The Sum of ME (2006), features original compositions like her kola-zouk hit “Kabu Verdi, Un Dia,” alongside reimagined covers of Cabo Verdean classics, like “Sodade.” Candida has made good use of her Bachelor’s degree in Music from UMass Dartmouth, performing with Cabo Verdean stars like Maria de Barros and Tiny Tavares and appearing onstage at the 2014 Kriol Jazz Festival in Cabo Verde. She is consistently sought after to perform for many Cabo Verdean and Southcoast-based dignitaries.
MUSIC
CULTURE
A proud KabuVerdiana hailing from New Bedford, Massachusetts, Candida Rose is dedicated to studying and educating about the transnational musical legacy of Cabo Verdean Americans; she has published a book on this topic, KabuMerikanus - the Sum of US, based on original research for which she received a Master’s degree in Transnational, Cultural, and Community Studies from UMass Boston. She shares this research with the broader community through educational presentations at institutions like the Cape Cod Cape Verdean Museum, the New Bedford Public Library, and Bridgewater State University; recently, she and her collaborator J.L. Santos Spencer conducted a 5-module workshop series on Cabo Verdean music at Keith Middle School with support from the Mass Cultural Council. Candida’s educational efforts have received national attention through a feature on PBS’s No Passport Required; her scholarship on Cape Verdean women in music was published in a scholarly edited collection, Kriolas Poderozas; and her research travels to Cabo Verde are the topic of a forthcoming documentary film directed by Dr. Rosalyn Negrón, called Candida.
CULTURE
Video c/o Leia Onofrey
SPIRIT
Candida's most recent album, "Here I AM!", details the many steps of her spiritual journey through an exploration of gospel, New Age, traditional, reggae, and other sounds. For nearly 18 years, Candida has been performing at nursing homes and retirement villages, bringing her rich alto voice and infectious energy to the healing work of “Life Enrichment Entertainment.” She shares her spirituality by leading musical worship in Congregational, Unitarian, and New Thought contexts, and through original presentations like “Morabeza: a Cultural Connection to Spirit.” At this year’s annual EmPower Music Festival, Candida shared the stage with Rickie Byars and the “Sisters in Spirit” (Misa Malone and Damorah Alexander). As an entrepreneur, Candida spearheads Golden Rose Music LLC -- where music, culture, and spirit entwine -- using her uniquely compelling contralto voice to amplify beautiful musical sounds, positive spirituality, and important cultural conversations.
