Fernando Quejas facts for kids

Fernando Aguilar Quejas was a talented singer and songwriter from Cape Verde, a group of islands off the coast of Africa. He was born in Praia, Cape Verde, on April 30, 1922, and passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, on October 28, 2005. He became very famous for his beautiful voice and his songs.

Life and Music Career

Fernando Quejas left his home in Cape Verde in 1947 to live in Portugal. In the 1950s, he started releasing music with a Portuguese record company called "Alvorada." He was very busy and released 22 albums during this time!

Worldwide Performances

During the 1960s and 1970s, Fernando Quejas traveled all over the world. He performed in many different countries, sharing his music with a global audience. He was especially known for singing a type of music called morna. Morna is a traditional Cape Verdean music style that often sounds sad or soulful, similar to the blues. Fernando Quejas was considered the most famous singer of this melancholic morna music.

Radio Pioneer

Before he became a worldwide music star, Fernando Quejas also played an important role in Cape Verde's history. In 1945, he helped start and operate Cape Verde's very first radio station. It was called "Radio Clube de Cabo Verde," also known as "Radio Praia." This station was a big step for communication and entertainment in his home country.

Return to Cape Verde

Many years later, in 1990, Fernando Quejas was invited to return to his native island to sing. The parliament of Cape Verde asked him to perform, showing how much he was still loved and respected in his homeland.