Elida Almeida, a Cape Verdean singer born in 1993, recently performed at the Tiny Desk x globalFEST concert series in 2021. Despite the freezing weather outside, Elida Almeida's powerful voice, vibrant storytelling from Cabo Verde, and infectious rhythms warmed up the audience and got them moving. Elida's background includes a childhood in the mountains of Santiago Island without electricity or necessities, leading to her early passion for singing and radio commentary work. Her musical style is influenced by funaná, batuque, and other rhythms created by deserted slaves, setting her apart from traditional Cape Verdean morna-coladeira singers.

Elida's career took off after catching the interest of producer José da Silva, known for his work with Cesária Évora. She released her debut album "Ora doci, Ora margos" and began performing in Portugal, France, and the United States. In 2015, she was recognized at the RFi awards and continued to make a mark on the African music scene, performing at various festivals and events.

At the Cabo Verde Music Awards (CVMA) in 2016 and the Kinshasa Jazz Festival, Elida Almeida showcased her talent alongside her band members, including Nelly Cruz, Diego Gomes, Magik Santiago, and Hernani Almeida. Her music blends traditional rhythms with a modern twist, captivating audiences worldwide with her unique expression and storytelling.