The fact that it was a French prize and not Portuguese disappoint you or not?
T: Disillusioned.
You expect that recognition first in Portugal?
T: Yes, because it is closer, it's neighbor. I do many concerts around the world, but few do in countries that speak Portuguese and that makes me sad, because it is a country closer to home, we have more connection. I wish there was a greater projection of African music, there is much beautiful and interesting thing. Even the Portuguese music needs more opportunities to appear.
Speaking of your music, you compose and you write the lyrics to your songs but decided to bring an instrument typically feminine, drumming, why?
T: That rhythm comes from the time of slavery. Previously only women use the beat, only they played it. But was forbidden by the wives of officers, of old chiefs who thought it was a kind of sexual betrayal, women seduce with the body through dance, they danced with their hips and butt and then was banned. Now, at this stage it is been lost, so I found it interesting and decided to put in my compositions with various influences, in particular the island of Santiago, I think it's good to take ahead our identity.
You made a collection of these sounds with these women?
T: Regardless of the island also made a collection in order to maintain the originality and identity.
What inspires you to compose?
T: People, sea, life, the environment, everything that makes me feel good.
Do you have any plans for a new record?
T: I'm working on the fifth CD, it is in a final stage in a studio.
Do you have a title for this new album?
T: Yeah, but I prefer to be surprised, to be more fun.
If you could set the environment you have created this new CD what would be like?
T: It has always has the feature of Tcheka with a different guise, with originality.