At more than seven feet tall, Cape Verdean performer Bana commands attention, but it is only when he sings that one appreciates his true remarkability. A hugely popular morna singer, Bana got a start in the music business in the 1950s, transporting crippled composer B. Leza from concert hall to concert hall. Perhaps on account of his popularity, Bana found himself accused of collaboration with the colonial Portugese government, and unable to escape the stigma of these accusations, he moved to Europe, basing himself in Rotterdam, Paris, and more recently, in Lisbon. In addition to being an outstanding singer, Bana has also moved into producing and has worked in this capacity with Cesaria Evora. ~ Leon Jackson