Calú Bana

Biografia:

Carlos Lopes was born in Cape Verde Islands, Son of Rosinha de nha Guida and Eduardo João Xalino also, a noted Capeverdean singer and guitarist. With the inspiration of Ildo Lobo and Bana; following in his father’s footsteps, Calú Bana began singing at an early age and was introduced to the music world while still in his early teens. Selected to appear in the First Annual All Star Singing Contest (Tudo Mundo Canta). Calú Bana won that first competition and was on his way, taking with him his new nickname and critical acclaim.In 1989, Calú Bana won his second All Star singing contest.

 In 1991 Calú Bana became the lead singer of the Ice band. The band would release its first recorded CD “Mulata” written and composed by Calú Bana himself.

 In 1994, Calu Bana joined Os Pecos Band and released 2nd cd “Cabo Verde Di Nós”, Calú Bana sang lead on three tracks, “Fenandinha” being one of the tracks written and composed by Calu Bana.

1996 found Calú Bana collaborating with his friend Gau Salgado on the popular album “Sentença”, with Calú Bana recording his first hit “Sonhe Realizode”.
In 1997 Calú Bana, joined forces with music producer Manny Rodrigues of MR Productions to record his first solo CD, “Pescador”.

 In 1999 Calu Bana recorded his second solo effort “Calor d’um Amor”, another hit, also produced by Manny Rodrigues. Calu Bana would also be on his first trip back to his homeland of Praia Cape Verde to participate in his first Musical Festival after he immigrated to USA in 1990.

 In 2000 Calu Bana would embark on his first tour to Paris France, and Holland in promotion of his success with Calor d’um Amor release.

In 2001 Calú Bana produced and released “Rainha de nha Tronu”. He also recorded “Criolinha”, which can be found on the “DJ Djelas” CD produced by Pedro (Peter) from Musicom in Pawtucket, R.I.

 In 2002 Calu Bana collaborated with his friend Pulonga Bita and Grace Evora recording Nha Maninha, which can also be found on “Amor Fabricado” CD.

 In 2003 Calú Bana produced and released “Amor Fabricado”.

2004 Calú Bana participated in two different compilations “Afrodance” Vol1 and “Blast” recording “Bo Inganam”, written by Kalu Monteiro and To Rodrigues and “Milu” written by Calu Bana himself.

2005 Calu Bana toured to Gottenburg, Sweeden joining his cousin Val Xalino, for a concert. 

2006 Calu Bana released Nha Terra Nha Kretcheu Capeverdean root selections arranged by Russian symphony Orchestrator Gregory Ayriyan, and Cesar Lima.

2011 Calu Bana recorded 1 song Funana Kaçu “body” Produced by Rui Tenis currently in production.

2013 Calu Bana is currently working on two projects “ Minino di Tchada” at Timmy’s Studio.  This album has a collaboration of Djejas, Juka di Santome, Galvao,  Tchatchi, Vargas, Kimberly, Galvao, Feel Base, and Timmy.  And, a morna  project “Calu Bana canta Manel D’Novas”  orchestrated by Dany Carvalho. 

Calú Bana, Carlos Matos, Djim Djob, and Kalu Monteiro are currently pending production on an all acoustic cd, Showcasing Capeverdean root selections.

Calu Bana also along his musical career participated in Festival de Baia das Gatas, Gamboa, Santa Maria, e Assomada.

Calu Bana has also collaborated with fellow singers and musicians  like: Zeca Nha Reinalda, Norberto Tavares, Kim Alves, Carlos Matos,  Antero Simas, Vuca Pinheiro, Grace Evora, Gau Salgado,  Bordot, Raymond Santos, Timmy, Dedé, Djedje Rapper , Xandinho Dog, Galvao, , Djosinha, Dina Medina, Milena Tavares, Pulonga Bita,  To Rodrigues, Djedjas, Djuta Barros, Maria de Barros, Izidora, Vargas,,  Joao Cerilo Noah Andrade and many more.

Musicians:

Norberto Tavares, Feel Bass, Djim Djob, Kalu Monteiro, Ney Miranda, Kim Alves, Dicki de Anunobo, Tim Mayer, ZeRui de Pina, Calu de Guida, Jorge Monteiro, Tony Baca Brabu, Mark Goncalves, Claudio Ramos, Duca, Danny Carvalho,  Manny Baptista, Ze Timas, Nhelas Sax, Cesar Lima, Pulan, Danilo, Adilson, and many more.

“Diverse” is the word to describe Calu Bana, though he mostly dedicates to his profession as a Computer Engineer, Calu Bana still finds the time to Devote to charitable events. He loves to entertain young folks with Kola Zouk, but his passion is his Cape Verdean roots of morna, coladera, batuku and funana.

This amazing capeverdean talent, with unique deep yet smooth voice and incredible performer capabilities to vibrate the crowd, is a humble family man, a great friend to have, a computer genius and a proud chef.  Daughters Addie and Addiana describe Calu Bana as the ideal father and chef of the century.