Agusto Cego

A child prodigy, Agusto Cego (Blind Agusto) was born in 1960 in a small village in Cape Verde. He began playing the ukulele at the age of eight and the guitar at 11. By the time he lost his vision at 14, he had mastered both instruments. Self-taught, Agusto is a multitalented musician who dominates many musical instruments, including the violin, clarinet, saxophone, flute, ukulele, harmonica, piano and six- and 10-string guitars. In addition, he is a gifted singer with a beautiful mellow voice. The Boston Herald has referred to Agusto as a warmly swinging singer. If he does not have Cesaria Evora's depth (and who does?), he is more imaginative in his phrasing and rhythm and has the same gentle intimacy and old-time acoustic feel.

Since 1993, Agusto has represented his native island of Fogo and the nation of Cape Verde in numerous national and international music festivals, including appearances throughout Europe. In 1995, he was invited by the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival to represent the island of Fogo during the two-week-long cultural exposition dedicated to the islands of Cape Verde.

Agusto is an active member of the Association for the Blind of Cape Verde (ADEVIC) and the organization's official representative on the island of Fogo.

Agusto's original compositions are deeply rooted in the traditions of Fogo and Cape Verde and are filled with proverbs and yearning. —Courtesy Calabash Music