In its milestone 10th year, the Atlantic Music Expo (AME) stands as a testament to the power of music in fostering cultural exchange and artistic innovation. Since its inception, AME has been a beacon of unity, bringing together musicians, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts from across the globe.
In an insightful interview with VoyagesAfriq, Augusto Veiga, General Manager of Atlantic Music Expo, highlighted their commitment to promoting Cape Verdean artists for the past 10 years.
He said, “Since its inception in 2013, we’ve persevered through pandemic setbacks, and this year marks our 10th edition. Our non-profit event aims to facilitate networking between Cape Verdean and international artists.”
Assessing AME’s impact, Augusto Veiga stressed its contribution to Cabo Verde’s economy and local businesses.
“We work with 73 local businesses, and all the money stays here. During those days, there’s a noticeable influx of people in Praia. Hotels are fully booked, and travel agencies sell numerous tickets as planes from Europe, local flights, and visitors from other islands like Santo Antão and São Vicente fill up. The event significantly boosts the local economy, evident in the bustling activity and increased spending,” he explained.
Despite its successes, AME faces ongoing challenges such as financial constraints, venue limitations, and political obstacles.
Speaking more on it, Augusto explained, “The main challenge lies in networking – connecting with the right people in the right places who can open doors for us. This aspect is crucial as it can lead to valuable opportunities. Additionally, financial constraints pose a significant hurdle. Every year, securing sponsorship for the event becomes draining, diverting our focus from generating new ideas.”
Highlighting AME’s continuous effort for skills acquisition and talent nurturing, Veiga said, “The primary focus lies in the advancement of artists, facilitated by informative workshops and conferences. These platforms are designed to broaden their world view, and enhance their skills.”
Regarding digitalization, Augusto highlighted AME’s commitment to advancing its digital presence.
“We welcomed Spotify for the first time, marking its debut in Cabo Verde. Upon their arrival, they collaborated with the Sociedade Cabo Verdeana da Música, responsible for developing authors’ rights here. Subsequently, they partnered with Cabo Verde Telecom, leading to the establishment of Spotify Cabo Verde. This partnership emerged through our event. Looking ahead, we anticipate the inclusion of TikTok and YouTube next year,” the General Manager clarified.
Looking ahead, AME is making strides to expand its reach beyond Cabo Verde to other parts of Africa, Europe, and beyond. By forging connections and attracting potential sponsors and investors, AME aims to amplify its impact and become a global force for cultural exchange and artistic innovation.
