Julinho KSD – Cabo Verdean Artist Making Waves in the Lusophone World

Julinho KSD is the next big artist making waves in the Lusophone world, and more especially in the genre of “hip hop tuga” – a form of hip hop with Portuguese and Lusophone African influence that has held center stage for quite a while amongst Lusophone youth.

Julinho creatively mixes hazy electronics, dancehall, R&B, hip hop, and Afrobeats with catchy lyrics in Cabo Verdean Creole, Portuguese, and English. Originally a professional football player in Cabo Verde, an injury sidelined him and turned his focus from athletics to acoustics. His 2019 and 2021 hits ‘Vivi Good’ and Hoje N’Ka Ta Rola’ give a positive outlook on daily life and mix upbeat, rhythmic beats with Julinho’s laid-back voice and verses.

Julinho cleverly bounces between languages in his songs to reflect on the true reality of a Lusophone African living in Portugal, which is someone who must be versatile in their language being surrounded and immersed in a myriad of different cultures. Julinho tends to serve as an intermediary force for those living in his home country of Cabo Verde to the rest of the world, and most importantly, the booming diverse music scene rising from the hilly streets of Lisbon.

In his hit song, ‘Sentimento Safari,’ Julinho floats between all three languages and reflects on his life journey so far, which has invoked many strong feelings of desire, longing for home, love, friendship, loss, new beginnings, and the future. The catchy hook also includes a direct reference to a common saying used in traditional American hip hop, “F*** the Police.” Julinho was likely inspired by American rappers to include this hook and attempt to tie it to his life and hardship as a minority living in Portugal where there has been cases of police brutality in the past.

Julinho KSD has a dynamic and exciting discography; one that should be listened to by all for its groovy transitions, melodic flows, and ethereal feel. Julinho is an excellent example of a cultural ambassador as he represents a variety of diverse peoples and backgrounds who have made him who he is. Whether you are an Angolan living in Lisbon or a Brazilian living in the United States, Julinho does a brilliant job of connecting the Lusophone world through his music and sharing important messages at the same time.