I’m starting something new.
A quiet invitation  to myself.

To show up more.
To be more open.
To offer one image, one story, one fragment of my life at a time.

Not to perform, but to be seen.
Not to explain, but to share.
To honour where I come from, who I’ve been, and who I’m still becoming

This is the photo my father gave to my mother,

with a note that read:

“Goddess, keep him safe—may he forever be yours, until eternity’s end.”

I come from that kind of love.

Two people who loved each other deeply.

Tenderly. Imperfectly. Fiercely.

Through sickness, struggle, and uncertainty,

they stayed soft.

And I was raised in that field of devotion.

Even with the weight of my father’s illness,

and all the silences it brought into our home,

I still feel lucky.

Privileged, even.

To be the result of love like that.

I look into his eyes in this photo,

and I see a man I’m still learning to understand.

I see the roots of who I am.

Zona Libertada: A Story of Courage, Connection, and Representation

In the heart of Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente, lies Ribeira Bote, a neighborhood whose history reverberates with the spirit of resistance and the pursuit of freedom. Known today as “Zona Libertada,” this title was earned on a defining night in September 1974, during the country’s path toward independence.

After Portugal’s Carnation Revolution, which marked the fall of its dictatorial regime and the beginning of its decolonization process, unrest spread across Cape Verde. On that fateful September night, Portuguese soldiers attempted to provoke chaos in Mindelo. When they threatened to enter Ribeira Bote, the local community stood firm. Barricades were erected, lights were extinguished, and makeshift weapons in the form of molotov cocktails and stones were prepared. The residents, armed with nothing but their courage, repelled the soldiers and defended their home.

This act of defiance became a symbol of the strength, unity, and determination of the Cape Verdean people in their journey toward independence. It is remembered not only as a moment of triumph but as a reflection of the enduring power of community and the collective fight for dignity and self-determination.

A Personal Lens on Ribeira Bote

Since 2013, I have been developing social-documentary photography projects focusing on African and Afro-descendant communities in Lisbon. These projects arose from a desire to address the lack of visibility, aesthetic diversity, and nuanced narratives surrounding these communities in Portuguese media. My intention has always been to shift the focus of representation, bringing these individuals to the center of the narrative in a way that portrays them with dignity and empowerment.

During my artist residency at the Catchupa Factory in May 2017, I applied this same approach in Mindelo, exploring Ribeira Bote and connecting with its vibrant youth. This project emerged from chance encounters: moments of eye contact on the street, brief exchanges of conversation, and a mutual willingness to share stories. Through these interactions, I began documenting the lives of young people connected to the culture of Hip Hop within the neighborhood, building new relationships that allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and immerse myself in their realities.

Building Narratives of Intimacy and Complexity

The photographs I created during this residency are not mere snapshots of daily life; they reflect the intimacy and mutual understanding that developed over those weeks. The individuals I photographed opened their lives to me, allowing me to document their “battles” and explore the common values that connected us. These are people whose experiences are often misunderstood or reduced to stereotypes based on where they live. My goal was to create a narrative that upheld their dignity and complexity while countering these preconceived notions.

One of the most profound aspects of this project was the collaboration with the individuals I photographed. By exchanging contact information and maintaining relationships beyond the residency, I sought to ensure they were not just subjects of my work but active participants in shaping how their stories were told. Together, we explored ways to use art—music, photography, and video—to reclaim their narratives, challenge prejudice, and restore a sense of dignity and self-esteem.

A Tribute to Zona Libertada

In the streets of Ribeira Bote, history, culture, and individuality intersect. This neighborhood, steeped in its legacy of resistance, continues to inspire through its vibrancy and resilience. The people I photographed are ordinary individuals with extraordinary stories, whose lives challenge stereotypes and reveal the richness of human experience.

I will be updating some of the images from this project to my website soon, allowing more people to engage with the stories and moments captured during my time in Ribeira Bote. Stay tuned for updates and a closer look at the connections, narratives, and lives that inspired Zona Libertada.

Through this work, I hope to contribute to a broader understanding of communities often overlooked or misunderstood, highlighting the transformative power of art in promoting visibility and fostering political and social citizenship. Zona Libertada is not just a place; it’s a reflection of the universal pursuit of freedom, dignity, and connection.