Maybe when you have visited Cape Verde you have heard or seen a group of ladies drumming. This is called Batuque (sometimes spelt Batiko), which is a musical genre and performance mostly led by women. Batuque features polyrhythmic drumming, clapping together with call and response singing. It will usually involve some dancing too. It is an old tradition in Cape Verde found on all of the islands including Sal. Originally women would drum on bundles of cloth, pans or similar surfaces. The use of drums came later.
Batuque is not simply an entertainment it also evokes memory, identity and life in community. It helps to create social bonds, especially amongst women, as well as demonstrating Cape Verde’s African roots. At one time, this genre was discouraged, but its popularity now demonstrates perseverance and tenacity. A Batuque performance could take place anywhere, such as in a square, on a street or on the beach.
[05 August 2026]
