Coladeira

The coladeira (Local Portuguese pronunciation: [kulɐˈdejɾɐ]; Kabuverdianu: koladera, [kolɐˈdeɾɐ]) is a music genre from Cape Verde. It is characterized by a variable tempo, a 2-beat bar, and (in its most traditional form) a harmonic structure based in a cycle of fifths. The lyrics structure is organized in strophes that alternate with a refrain. The tone is generally joyful and themes often include social criticism. Instrumentation typically includes a guitar, a cavaquinho, and percussion, among others. According to oral tradition, the genre originated in the 1930s when the composer Anton’ Tchitch’ intentionally sped up the tempo of a morna. In the 1960s, it began to incorporate electric instruments. Coladeira also refers to a ballroom dance done in pairs accompanied by the music.