“To speak of the Monte Cara group is to speak of the Monte Cara space. Because everything is interconnected,” says musician Dani Silva of the restaurant that the Cape Verdean singer Bana opened on Rua do Sol ao Rato in Lisbon. It was a meeting place for musicians from all PALOP countries. “It was a very peculiar space, everyone went there, from the humblest emigrant to the presidents of the Republic. At that time, I met with the presidents not only of Cape Verde, but also of Portugal. warm. And then Monte Cara was born,” recalls Dani Silva.
Monte Cara was a restaurant, a concert hall, but it also had a recording studio. Many artists have had the opportunity to develop their skills thanks to this house and Banya. Often with the help of Luis Morais, who, despite having lived in Cape Verde since independence where he taught music, often came to Portugal for concerts organized by Bana or to record some albums.
Many artists worked in this music school along with Paulino Vieira, one of the great masters of the music of Cape Verde, who was in charge of coordinating the Monte Cara group.
“This project of memories of Monte Cara belongs to Alcides (son of Bana). It’s a fun project because it managed to bring together some musicians who worked in a restaurant and belonged to the band. When there are concerts, Alcides invites mostly singers. who passed through Monte Cara. This is my case, I was a regular customer. At that time I was already playing in Lisbon, and in all of Portugal. Whenever I had the opportunity, I went to a restaurant, not only to eat, but mainly to listen to the band’s music. I was invariably invited to sing one or two themes. I have always been in complicity with the Monte Cara group. I participate. With great pleasure, because these are musicians whom I have known for many years. Remembering the good times, as the British say, “the very good old days”, with great love, concludes Dani Silva.