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Biography

Think of the energy of the Bhundu Boys when they first hit Europe combined with the charismatic stage presence of The Abyssinians and you get close to the live show of one of the most exciting live bands currently out of Africa.

Ferro Gaita, have become the greatest musical revelation in Capeverdean music. The Band made up of three young artists, Iduino (accordion/vocals), Bino (ferro/vocals) and Paulinho (guitar bass). These adventurers brought funana from its moribund state to the international stage.

The group's name FERRO GAITA originated from the combination of two instruments: FERRO (a piece of metal played with a knife), GAITA (type of accordion). Both are utilized in traditional Capeverdean music. The instruments form the basis of funana – a ‘merengue’ style of music unique to the Island of Santiago.

Funana originated in the beginning of the century with the arrival of the accordion to Cape Verde. The instrument was introduced to farmers from the interior of Santiago who began singing about their every day life, praises, needs and their typical way of life. During colonialism, Funana was prohibited in public places. These young musicians that had already worked with groups such as Djassy and Fans de Marley formed Ferro Gaita in 1996. During their teenage years, the members discovered the gaita and ferro, with the addition of drums and a bass guitar they found new ways to play Funana. Ferro Gaita began playing in local bars and street concerts and in no time had people's attention. This led to an invitation to participate in the Gamboa ‘97 Festival in May 1997 in the city of Praia, Santiago.

With encouragement and support from friends, the Capeverdean government and companies, Ferro Gaita produced their first CD “Fundu Baxu” in June 1997 which became the highest selling CD in Cape Verde in 1997. The CD presented funana in its original style, which surprised many who did not believe funana would have a contemporary audience.

Two years later, the band released its second CD, "Rei de Tabanka", recorded in the US. It includes unknown traditions like batuke, finaçon and tabanka along with funana, making the project unprecedented. Ferro Gaita is investing in the advancement of Cape Verde traditions and causing melt down on the dance floor in the process..

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