Adamu da Silva is an accomplished Angolan-born singer-songwriter, guitarist and world music artist, now based in Cape Town, whose music reflects a remarkable journey across the African continent.
Rooted in the musical traditions of Angola, Adamu’s journey has taken him through Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Cameroon and Namibia before eventually settling in South Africa. These diverse cultural influences have shaped a distinctive Pan-African sound that blends Afro-Latin and Afro-jazz influences with semba, kwasa kwasa, Afro-beat and Central African rhythms.
A charismatic and versatile live performer, Adamu sings in multiple languages including Portuguese, French, English, Spanish and Kicongo, as well as other Central African languages. His multilingual repertoire and extensive musical experience enable him to move effortlessly between soulful, sophisticated background music and energetic African rhythms designed to bring an audience to the dance floor.
Over the course of his career, Adamu has shared stages with some of Africa’s most celebrated musicians, including Manu Dibango, Salif Keita and Ismaël Lô. He has also supported internationally acclaimed artists Crosby, Stills & Nash and Tracy Chapman, reflecting the breadth of his experience as a live performer.
His recorded work includes the album Viva Kitandeira, a 10-track world-music release featuring collaborations with musicians including Buddy Wells, Helder Gonzaga, Nelson Malela, Tony & Paco and Dodô Miranda.
Adamu continues to be active within Cape Town’s diverse world-music scene. He has performed at major cultural events including WOMAD South Africa, where he was featured as an Angolan artist within the festival’s international African programme. His music has also been used by the French Institute of South Africa as the introductory music for its Sounds of Southern Africa series exploring the region’s musical histories.
Performing solo, as the Adamu Trio or with an expanded ensemble, Adamu offers clients considerable flexibility. His performances can be tailored from an intimate acoustic or jazz-influenced setting through to a vibrant African world-music experience.
Warm, sophisticated and authentically African, Adamu da Silva is particularly well suited to corporate functions, international conferences, African-themed events, cocktail receptions, gala dinners, festivals, luxury hospitality environments and cultural celebrations.
Career Highlights
- Angolan-born, Cape Town-based singer-songwriter and guitarist
- Extensive musical journey through Angola, Congo, DRC, Gabon, Cameroon, Namibia and South Africa
- Shared stages with Manu Dibango, Salif Keita and Ismaël Lô
- Supported international artists Tracy Chapman and Crosby, Stills & Nash
- Performer at WOMAD South Africa
- Released the album Viva Kitandeira
- Performs in Portuguese, French, English, Spanish, Kicongo and other Central African languages
- Musical styles include Afro-jazz, Afro-Latin, semba, kwasa kwasa, Afro-beat and world music
- Available in solo, trio and larger ensemble formats
- Ideal for sophisticated corporate, cultural and international events
