Dino d'Santiago Wins Grammy Latino for Album with Criolo and Amaro Freitas

Dino d'Santiago, a musician from Cabo Verde, has won a Grammy Latino for his album "Criolo, Amaro & Dino", a collaboration with Brazilian artists Criolo and Amaro Freitas. The album, which is the trio's debut, took home the award for Best Brazilian Popular Music/Afro-Portuguese Brazilian Music Album. This achievement marks a significant milestone for d'Santiago and his collaborators.

The album "Criolo, Amaro & Dino" is a culmination of the artists' diverse musical backgrounds, blending the rhythms of Brazil and the African diaspora. The trio divided their studio sessions between Rio de Janeiro, Recife, São Paulo, and Lisbon, resulting in a unique sound that showcases their individual perspectives. According to a statement released by the agency Arruada, the album is an exercise in contemporary music, rooted in Afro-Atlantic traditions.

Upon receiving the award, Dino d'Santiago expressed his gratitude to the Portuguese language, which he believes unites people from various countries, including Cabo Verde, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Principe, and Portugal. He emphasized that this unity is a testament to the power of music. Amaro Freitas, who hails from Recife, Brazil, was visibly moved by the win, highlighting the album's ability to bring together the strength of black music and the diaspora.

Criolo, another member of the trio, stressed that the album was created with the intention of celebrating friendship and showcasing the transformative power of music. He dedicated the award to the indigenous peoples being massacred in Brazil, underscoring the importance of art in bringing attention to social issues. The trio was also nominated for Best Portuguese-Language Song, but lost to Johnny Hooker's "Viver e Morrer de Amor na América Latina".

The project that led to the Grammy-winning album began with the song "Esperança", released in 2024. This song, co-written by Criolo, Amaro Freitas, and producer Nave, had d'Santiago nominated for a Grammy Latino in 2024. The album's success demonstrates the chemistry between the three artists, who have managed to create a distinct sound that resonates with listeners.

The 27th edition of the Grammy Latino ceremony took place in Las Vegas, United States, and recognized artists across 60 categories. The event celebrated musical excellence and awarded prizes to various artists, including Brazilian Daniela Mercury, who received a prize for her creative contributions to music and the Latin American community.

Dino d'Santiago's Grammy Latino win marks a milestone for Cabo Verde and the country's music industry. The album's success highlights the rich cultural heritage of Cabo Verde and its connections to Brazil and the African diaspora. As the music industry continues to evolve, this achievement serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the universal language of music.

Key points

• Dino d'Santiago won the Grammy Latino for Best Brazilian Popular Music/Afro-Portuguese Brazilian Music Album for his collaboration with Criolo and Amaro Freitas.