Bitori
Legend Of Funana
In 1997, a quiet, unassuming man of 59 years old named Victor Tavares, better know as Bitori, walks into a studio for the very first time to record a masterpiece which many Cabo Verdean consider to be the best Funana album ever made. Bitori's musical adventure had begun long before this point. It was 1954 when he embarked on a journey across the seas to the islands of Sao Tome & Principe. The young man's hope was to return to Cabo Verde with an accordion. Following two years of hard labour Bitori had succeeded in saving enough money to acquire what was to become his most valued possession, his cherished instrument. The two month journey back to Santiago, his island of birth, proved time enough to master it. Self taught, Bitori developed his own style, an infectious blaze, that quickly caught the attention of the older generation. Before long Bitori was being asked to share his musical talents, igniting the local festivities around Praia with his music. The success of Bitori's album in Cabo Verde was phenomenal and Funana its traditional form was actually recorded. The success of Bitori's album in Cabo Verde was phenomenal and Funana rapidly gained the recognition it deserved, especially in urban dance clubs. Bitori's songs quickly became standards - classics known and loved throughout the country. The musical success, however, was solely limited to the Cabo Verdean islands - until now! Analog Africa is proud to contribute to the worldwide promotion of Funana.