Art, Music and Culture

Boy Ge Mendes is probably one of the longest performing Cape Verdean artists around, with his song "Grito de Bo Fidge" possibly putting CV music 'on the map'.

Gerard Mende, as he was named, was born in Dakar, Senegal in 1952 to Cape Verdean parents. As is typial with many singers, his first taste of singing was when he joined the school choir. When older, Mendes would perform the popular songs of artists at the time, such as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.

In 1977 whilst living in France, he joined the newly formed Cabo Verde Show. It wasn't long before the group were playing to expat communities in Holland and France. Later, he would leave the Cabo Verde Show and team up with his brother to form Mendes and Mendes. Together they released 3 albums.

A few years later, after moving to Nice, Mendes formed the O'asah group and opened a concert by Joao Bosco.

In 1990, he became Boy Ge Mendes and released the hit single, 'Grito de Bo Fidge'.