Cap-Vert : batuque et finaçon

In Santiago, the batuque is a form of entertainment linked to births, christenings and especially weddings. For example, it is performed during the night when the bride is getting ready. Finaçon is an art which is mastered by very few initiates, who provide words of wisdom with the support of a recitative, in order to teach the members of their community. Although these reflections, either inspired by human destiny or imposed by the pressure of events, come from unpolished, often illiterate individuals, their inventiveness and creativity are startling. Ntóni Denti d'Oro, whose real name is António Vaz Cabral, was born in 1926. This little man with a cheeky voice, mischievous eyes and permanent smile, lit up by the spark of a gold tooth, conducts a group of three beaters, one percussionist (djembé-player), three guitarist and one cimboa-player (single-stringed fiddle). He himself marks the rythm by beating a large drum which is covered in a blanket. The composition of this group reflects the conservation of a tradition of batuque, of which Ntóni Denti d'Oro is the sole representative.