Africahit - Suzanna Lubrano, Queen of Pop

Suzanna Lubrano is hanging out in a crowded backstage at the Sheraton Hotel in Washington DC, trying to absorb the ambiance and fit in with the rest of the participants when her manager walks up and stands right next to her. He leans over and briefly whispers in her ear. They both smile as she crouches over, sits down in a small chair in the middle of the harmonious room, her humility on full display.

She speaks to everyone and occasionally strikes poses, never forgetting to smile to her die-hard fans and their friendly cameras. Suzanna does not seem nervous about facing her fans, especially after her long absence. On the contrary, she appears calm, unperturbed, and ready. Just as she starts to chat with fellow colleagues, getting ready for the show, her manager tenderly taps her on the shoulder: it was time to take center stage, a moment her US fans have been longing for five years.

Equipped with a wireless microphone, and while the band played the intro, she was escorted into the spotlight to relentless applauses. Suzanna may have never expected this kind of reception from the sold out crowd. Since the release of her debut solo album “Sen bó Nés Mund” in 1997, Suzanna’s career has been one success story after another and to be among some of Cape Verde’s best artists at the “Taste of Capeverdean Music” concert is evidence of that.

“It was very nice and explosive. I enjoyed the pleasant environment during my performance,” reacts an overwhelmed Suzanna, surrounded by fans demanding autographs and pictures. In December of 2003, after the release of the sizzling “Tudo Pa Bo,” (All for You) she won the prestigious Kora All African Awards for Best African Female Artist and Best Video.

Music has been part of her life from childhood, but Suzanna’s musical career began with Os Rabelados, a band that will be remembered for songs such as “Nos Dos,” “E so Mal,” “ki Vida,” “Sukuro,” “Piteco” or “Nhu Santo Amaro.” The godmother of the newly purchased Cabo Verde Airlines (TACV) Boeing 757 named “Emigranti,” she is generally referred to as the Diva, a title she feels uncomfortable bearing.

Sexy and beautiful--in a way that could be intimidating--she possesses a voice of impressive clarity, fitting for her musical genre, which is a blend of Zouk, coladera, and funana sprinkled with R&B and Reggae. Despite enjoying all the accolades as a solo artist, Suzanna, whose sophomore album “Fofo” (1999) was a platinum-plus, is definitely not resting on her laurels.

In the midst of the recording of her knew album, due next year on the label Lusafrica, Suzanna will take on the world with a lengthy and busy tour, which will take her as far as South Africa, the country where she was crowned the African Queen of Pop music.

Source:� Osvaldo Dos Reis
CVMusicWorld.com Senior Editor