Cesária Évora (Mindelo, 27 August 1941 — Mindelo, 17 December 2011) was a Cape Verdean singer-songwriter known as the “Queen of Morna” and the most recognized singer in the history of Cape Verdean music.

She started singing in the 1960s in cruises, bars and on the local radio of her hometown. In 1985, invited by the Cape Verdean singer Bana, she went to perform in Lisbon (Portugal) and was discovered by the producer José da Silva, who invites her to record in Paris. She recorded the track “Ausência”, composed by the Yugoslav musician Goran Bregovic.

However, her international success came only in 1988 with the release of her first album “La Diva Aux Pieds Nus” [The Barefoot Diva], which became one of her best nicknames.

In 1997, she won 3 KORA All African Music Awards. Later, in 2003, her album “Voz d'Amor” was awarded a Grammy in the World Music category. In 2009, she was made a Knightess of the French Legion of Honour.