Suzanna Lubrano is a very popular artist who writes, sings, and produces most of her own music. We caught up with her to talk about her latest release, Saida.

Jamati: Your album, Saida, features some music heavyweights, including Buddha Monk from the Wu-Tang Clan, Marcus Suskind as a producer, and Dre Robinson. It merges Zouk, R&B, and traditional Cape Verde music styles to create a unique sound. I understand that you wrote the melodies, music, and lyrics for it all. How long did it take to make the album?
My previous album was released 5 years ago. That would suggest that it took 5 years to make this album. Not so. I had a lot of setbacks, changing from one record label to another, changing the label once again because of artistic differences. Since my current label, Mass Appeal Entertainment, is in the US, I had to travel a lot from Cape Verde or the Netherlands to the US. Most recordings are done in the US as well, in the Blue Jay Recording Studio in New England, a studio co-owned by my producer. Other then that, we had to get used to each other, so it also took time to find the most fruitful way of working together. My next album won’t take that much time anymore, I even recorded a lot of new songs already.

Jamati: What were the challenges of producing the album in two different places?
Traveling, making the right preparations. Sometimes I have planned to be in the studio in the US for a whole week, but not everything runs as smoothly as you expected so you have to plan another trip to the US. It was the same with my recordings in France, especially since at that time I was living in Cape Verde.

Jamati: Were there any challenges or candid moments in working with the different artists?
All work in a different way, so you have to get used to each other. In the US we used to write a couple of songs together, like Cry no more. In France, Ronald Rubinel already made the music and after that I started to work on the vocal melody and lyrics. This was the same with Jacob Desvarieux as well as with the Buddha Monk track, the music was already composed, the rap, vocal melody and lyrics were then written by Buddha Monk and me. There were no real challenges, but you always have to adapt to the different ways others are working.

Jamati: You recently returned from performances in Angola. Tell us about your experiences. How were you received and how was it?
The people in Angola are great. I always love to go there, just like I love to go to Mozambique. They are very warm and open and they usually sing all of my songs word by word. That’s amazing! It feels like you really mean something for the people.

Jamati: Cape Verde Zouk has been called the language of love and many of your songs seem to be very romantic. Which songs from Saida would you suggest to create a romantic mood? Are there any that you would consider your favorites?
Saida, Love so good, Distancia. Saida and Distancia are very personal songs, very much written from my own experiences. (The English translations of those lyrics can be read on www.suzannaonline.com)

Jamati: February was the Valentine’s Day month. What is your idea of a romantic evening? What would you describe as your ideal partner?
Not so easy for me the answer right now. My ideal partner is someone who is honest, faithful, and sincere.

Jamati: We appreciate you taking time to talk to us.
My pleasure.