Gil Semedo

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Gil Semedo - Biography

Gil Semedo was born on 25 October 1974 on Cape Verde islands at the west coast of Africa. At the age of six Gil Semedo and family migrated to The Netherlands. When he was 15 he imitated his idol Michael Jackson and reached the finals at the "Henny Huisman Sound mix Show" a success TV-show in The Netherlands.

In 1991 Gil Semedo released, under the name "Gil & the Perfect 2", his first record "Menina" (Girl). "Menina” was a huge success in the Portuguese speaking countries. A few ingredients of Gil Semedo’s success formula are: his self made strong "Catchy" compositions, flashing dance moves and his Caboswing*.

Gil Semedo has performed on many stages in Europe, USA and Africa. Almost his whole repertoire is made of his own compositions. He has sold over 500,000 albums, which makes him Lusophone's most successful artist ever.

A few highlights in Gil Semedo’s career:

1995 - Gil Semedo released the album "Verdadi" (Truth) which includes the hit song Maria Julia. This hit song gave the Batuco (a forgotten Cape Verdean music style) a new boost. Other artists followed Gil Semedo’s vision on the Batuco which resulted in a “ new life” for the Batuco.

1996 – Gil Semedo performs in an overcrowded soccer stadium in Praia the capital of Cape Verde, celebrating Independence Day. This concert was broadcasted live via satellite world wide, a premiere in the history of Cape Verdean TV.

1999 - Gil Semedo releases his hit album "Nos Lider" (Our Leader). 100,000 copies where sold within a period of three months. "Nos Lider" reached the Golden and Platinum status in several countries. At the end of 1999 Gil Semedo survives miraculously a tragic accident in which he loses one of his feet.

2001 – "Best of Gil 1991-2001" is released including the bonus track: "Obrigado" (Thank you). In this track the artist thanks everyone who supported him during his recovery. At the "Cabo Music Awards 2001" "Best of Gil 1991-2001" receives the title best sold Cape Verdean album of 2001. At the same event Gil Semedo wins 3 awards.

2003 – Over 100,000 attendants at Gil Semedo’s performance at "Festival de Gamboa 2003". Worldwide, millions attend the event via Radio, TV and Internet.

2004 – The single "Sweet Honey" is a hit on the urban radio station FunX. The accompanied video, directed by Rick Arnold, is broadcasted worldwide on music channels.

2005 – Gil Semedo’s song "Lembra Tempo" is used in Portugal’s box-office hit movie of 2005: "Sorte Nula" directed by Fernando Fragata. The movie wins an Award (Best Cinema Photography) at the Boston International Film Festival USA.

"Nha Vitória" (My Victory) - 2006 In Gil Semedo’s most recent album, the singer melts his life lessons with his never-ending passion for music. After overcoming the obstacles in life, Gil Semedo presents a mature album singing about love, friendship and peace.

Caboswing: Gil Semedo's self-made music style. A mixture of traditional Cape Verdean music styles, like Coladeira, Funana, Batuco and other music styles like Zouk, Pop music en R&B.