Alias:

Gerhard Mendes

Member of:

Mendes & Mendes Cabo Verde Show

Language:

Creol

Genre:

Jazz Funana Afrofunk Afropop

Instrument:

Male vocals Guitar

Articles:
On Cap Verdean music

On the Internet
Music samples (search for artist)

Biography

In 1952, Gerhard Mendes was born i Dakar, birthplace of many Capeverdean emigrants; then he grew up among a colorful community of Malians, Senegaleses, Guineans and of course, Capeverdeans. Attending a catholic school, he discovered his liking for singing, which he developed throughout parties and villages fairs. Later, Gerard gained some experience on stage in several Dakar’s clubs: The Black & White, The Marseille, The Alhabamar and in some disreputable piano bars. At this time his repertoire was made of standards: The Stones, The Beatles, blues, same salsa; he sang in French or, phonetically in English and Spanish. In 1967, plans took shape. With one of his brothers, the young Mendes formed his first band named The Beryl's. So, the exciting life began: Concerts and festivals allover Senegal. Gerard Mendes is breaking it through.
In 1977, with his brother Jean-Claude, Luis Silva and Emmanuel Lima he formed a 100% Capeverdean band, Cabo Verde Show, which became the roots band for those who were in exile in Paris or in The Netherlands; this step has been decisive: A desire for writing songs in the language he was barn and raised. On the Cabo Verde Show second recording Gerard Mendes signed three tracks, highly acclaimed by the community. This success fanned the flames of going beyond. He quit Cabo Verde Show and started a new project with his brother, the highly acclaimed band Mendes & Mendes. In 1983, after three other albums, he left Paris and moved to Nice.
In 1990, something went click: Gerard Mendes became Boy Ge Mendes, a passing reference to his childhood.s nickname. In Dakar guys call each otther : “Boy”. He recorded the sang “Grito de bo Fidge” that became the first hit of the Capeverdean music outside the community.
After years of tours and concerts, Boy Ge Mendes decided to make a break. In 97 his album “Lagoa” is synonym of rebirth, return to home and intimacy. As soon as this CD was out, he left Nice and went back to Cabo Verde. He was finally there, between Mindelo -where he lived- and the islands of Boa Vista and Santa Anton, where he liked to wander. Cape Verde was his again: the San Jon (St John} celebrations, and the camival; the “Noites caboverdiana”, where glasses af grog and guitars playing helped your people to dream of a new world, a better ane; but also, the country of the uprooted farmers to exile to provide for their families.families.
So, on Cabo Verde Boy Ge Mendes rediscovered his roots, he composed the songs of “Noite de Morabeza”, his ninth album. Boy Ge Mendes sings his love and passion for that little country.

Relevant artists:
Cesaria Evora
Zoumana Diarra
Bembeya Jazz National
Africando
Bau
Tcheka
Teofilo Chantre
Swagato

GRITO DE BO FIDJE
Brandao Records?/1981

GRITO DE BO FIDJE
Reissued 2001

MENDES & MENDES  
Brandao Records/1983

The first time you hear this, it makes you sharpen your ears. What is it: Latin American, not quite, African, not quite that either, also not European or American, but all this, plus, in fact, a good dose of Gerhard Mendes. I came across this LP in Cabo Verde in 1987 and have played it again and again ever since. I never get tired of it. It's a kind of big band music, inspired by bands like Bembyea Jazz and maybe also Santana. The songs are catchy, but not popish, laidback, but not quite jazzy. Everything is beautifully arranged and performed with a style and elegance that only the best can deliver. This is African music history. That's all that's needed to be said. Except for that someone should reissue this album, plus two others by Mendes & Mendes. Trevor Herman, do you hear me?

DI ORO
Lusafrica/1996

LAGOA
Lusafrica/Tinder Records/1997

A fluid, sensuous treat, with a heavier-than-usual dose of Latin American rhythms on many tracks. This Senegalese/Cape Verdean has a beautiful voice, and a sense of balladic grace that can blow your mind. Although there are some tracks towards the end of the album that are too pop-fusion for my tastes, on the whole this record is flat-out gorgeous. Highly recommended.

Website "Slipcue E-Zine"

NOITES DE MORABEZA  
Lusafrica/1999

It's so laidback that you sometimes think it will get stuck, it doesn't move. The music threatens to turn over into the type of sounds that are recommended on new age meditation courses. But then Boy Ge twists the whole thing so professionally that you just have to give in. Like an African or Latin American Sting his sings his way to your heart - and stays. Just when the music seems to get stuck, the routined Boy Ge Mendes kicks in with some catchy refrains. He keeps much to his accoustic guitar and piano, but also violin and accordion, in the Capo Verdean manner, or like in "Sant Anton lovers" trombone. This music goes perfectly with a gin and tonic on a warm summer night. Crying to be heard!

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