Cape Verdean singer Mário Marta, who participated in this year's Festival da Canção, has died

Cape Verdean singer Mário Marta, who performed the song 'Pertencer' at this year's Festival da Canção, died in Lisbon on Thursday, April 16, at the age of 53. His family described him as an artist of great sensitivity and dedication to Cape Verdean music, calling his death an irreparable loss to national culture. Born in Guinea-Bissau in 1972 and raised in São Vicente, Marta was known for his work with traditional mornas and coladeiras. He was a member of the gospel group SHOUT! and a backing vocalist for Djodje. His debut solo album, 'Ser de Luz', won three Cabo Verde Music Awards.