Cesária Évora's Life and Music

A 4-part series about the life and music of the great artist Cesária Évora, singer from Cape Verde.
Duration
40 minutes
Film Type
Secondary Genre
Music
Primary Genre
Language
Portuguese
Country of Origin
Portugal
Category

Cesária Évora's Life and Music is a four-part biographical series that delves into the life and legacy of Cape Verdean singer Cesária Évora, known for popularizing morna, the soulful genre of Cape Verdean music. Born in poverty on the island of São Vicente, Cesária’s journey from singing in the streets to becoming a global sensation is a story of resilience, love, and music. Her barefoot performances became an iconic symbol of her authenticity and connection to her roots, captivating audiences worldwide.

The series takes viewers through the highs and lows of her life—her struggles as a young singer, her time away from music, and her meteoric rise to fame in her later years, when she performed on prestigious stages across the globe. It also explores her collaborations, her personal battles with addiction, and how she became a cultural ambassador for Cape Verde, spreading its music to the world.

Audience and Demographics


  • Primary Target Audience: Adults (25-44), especially fans of world music, biographical stories, and cultural dramas.
  • Secondary Audience: Music lovers and people familiar with Cesária’s music, particularly in France and Portuguese-speaking countries.
  • Psychographics: Individuals with an interest in cultural diversity, inspirational life stories, and music history.

Market Opportunity


The global recognition of Cesária Évora, particularly in French-speaking countries and the United States, provides significant market potential. Cesária is celebrated as a world music icon, making this series attractive to platforms and networks that cater to audiences interested in music documentaries, biopics, and culturally rich content.

With over 200 million YouTube views of her performances and the global resonance of her songs like "Sodade" and "Besame Mucho," this series can attract a diverse audience. Her tribute by Madonna in 2019 during the "Madame X" tour also emphasizes her ongoing relevance in modern music culture.

Cesária Évora's Life and Music is more than just a biographical series; it’s a celebration of one of the most remarkable voices in world music. Through a narrative filled with passion, heartache, and triumph, this series will not only capture the spirit of Cesária Évora but also share her incredible story with the world, ensuring her legacy lives on for generations to come.

Selling Points


Celebrity Involvement: Cesária Évora is one of the most influential world music artists, with a legacy that continues to inspire musicians globally. Her unique voice and barefoot performances resonated with audiences far beyond Cape Verde, making her a true cultural ambassador.

Appealing Genre: The series is not only a celebration of Cesária’s life but also a tribute to morna, the music genre she championed. Her songs, filled with themes of love, longing, and nostalgia, are woven into the narrative, bringing a deeper connection between her life and her art.

Potential Audience: Capitalizing on Cesária's immense popularity on platforms like YouTube (170 million views for “Live de Amour in Paris”) to build anticipation and promote the release with exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Shooting Locations
Cape Verde
Portugal
France
Year of Release
2025
Keyword
African Jazz