National Batuque Day: Historian calls for greater recognition of female batuque drummers and batuque performers

Praia, 31 July (Inforpress) – Female drummers and batuque performers still need greater recognition, such as fair fees and formal inclusion in the social protection system, Cape Verdean historian José Soares said today in Praia.

Today is National Batuque Day, a date unanimously established by the National Assembly in 2021 to pay tribute to one of Cabo Verde’s oldest musical genres and to highlight the central role played by women in preserving this centuries-old tradition.

Speaking to Inforpress, José Soares said the official recognition of the commemorative date had “a tremendous impact”, as it formalised a long-standing aspiration of batucadeiras and supporters of this cultural expression.

According to the historian and former Member of the National Assembly, the bill’s passage through parliament marked “an important moment”, given that all Members of Parliament voted in favour of the initiative, with no votes against.

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