Esperança (Hope) by Nancy Vieira and Fred Martins sits at No. 1 on World Music Charts Europe for February 2026. The duo connect Cape Verde…
The duo connect Cape Verde and Brazil through a shared Portuguese-language history and long-standing cultural ties. Martins connects Cape Verdean morna to Brazilian bossa nova through a common sense of saudade.
Vieira and Martins first met in 2013. Martins credits the introduction to a pianist friend. He later invited Vieira to appear on a session recorded in Portugal.
Esperança is their first full album together after years of concerts and recordings. The arrangement stays minimal. Most tracks feature only vocals and guitar. A guest appearance on charango appears on the third track.
Vieira and Martins say they chose songs with themes of empathy and mutual care. One example comes from “A Paz Que Nasce (The Peace That Comes),” which includes the lines: “The bread that is shared becomes a song” and “The hand that reaches out overcomes the cannon.”
Nancy Vieira & Fred Martins (Cape Verde/Brazil) – Esperança – GalileoMuluken Mellesse (Ethiopia) – Ethiopiques 31 – Buda MusiqueEither/Orchestra + Ethiopian Guests (Ethiopia/Usa) – Nalbandian The Ethiopian – Ethiopiques 32 – Buda MusiqueJúlia Kozáková (Slovakia) – Manuša Ii – Cpl-MusicSyran Mbenza (DR Congo) – Rumba Africa – Hysa ProductionsLina & Marco Mezquida (Portugal/Spain) – O Fado – GalileoTeija Niku (Finland) – Tovi – Self ReleasedSarakina (Poland) – Suspended In The Mist – Self ReleasedLivia Mattos (Brazil) – Verve – Yb MusicSenduki (Italy) – Strania – Alfa MusicXabi Aburruzaga (Spain) – Bask – DndDorota Barová (Czech Republic) – Píseň Pro Mi – Animal MusicN’Faly Kouyaté (Guinea/Belgium) – Finishing – Namun RecordsWör & Kongero (Belgium/Sweden) – Songbooks Live – Nordic NotesNusantara Beat (The Netherlands/Indonesia) – Nusantara Beat – GlitterbeatGao Hong (China) – Symphony Of Self – Arc MusicNoura Mint Seymali (Mauritania) – Yenbett – GlitterbeatLe Vent du Nord (Canada) – Voisinages – La Compagnie Du NordCeuzany (Cape Verde) – No Tchal Te Li – HarmoniaSaodaj (France, Reunion Island) – Loder La Vi – Buda Musique
Source: worldmusiccentral.org