As a professional singer Melissa has been active for over eleven years. She has had the chance to work with various famous national and international artists. As their backing vocalist Melissa performed on stages all around the world. Melissa's music is a mix of warm Cape Verdean and Brazilian influences and a dash of jazz and neo soul. Her Cape Verdian roots brought her in contact with the music of Boy Ge Mendes and Sara Tavares. She loves World Music and is especially drawn to artists that aren't afraid to mix up traditional music with contemporary styles. In 2013 Melissa successfully released her singles ' Lullaby ' and ' Deixa a Chuva Passar '. The single releases were well received by major and regional media outlets in The Netherlands (Radio 1, Radio 6) and the Cape Verdean Islands. In the summer of 2013 Melissa was named Radio 6 Soul & Jazz talent and was nominated for a Radio 6 Soul & Jazz Award in the category Best Talent. Melissa is currently working on the production of her debut album. Through a successful crowd-funding campaign she raised € 7500,- for use as production budget for her album.  She also received a substantial grant from SENA music production fund. Her album will be released in 2015 . With the release of her third single entitled 'Levam Ma Bo' (released 12 march 2015) Melissa presents a fresh and remarkable song with soulfull afro vibes. A song in which Melissa fuses her creole roots with and english lyrics. Liner Notes ---------------- Written by Melissa Fortes Composed and produced by Sebas dos Santos

 Co-produced by Danilo Tavares All vocals by Melissa Fortes Guitars: Sebas dos Santos | Drums: Walter Matos | Bass: Danilo Tavares, Bass fills: Lucio Vieira Guitar fills & solo: Kiki Gomes | Keys: Lucio Vieira | Percussions: Miroca Paris Strings arrangement: Danilo Tavares Recorded at D Studio by Danilo Tavares & Ferdi Abel Studio by Ferdi Abel, Rotterdam Percussions at Cervantes Studio, Portugal | Bass & keys at Studio Jorge Nunes, Cabo Verde Mix by Danilo Tavares at Tavares Music Studio, Rotterdam Mastering by La Villa Mastering Studio, France Photography: Arelys Winklaar Cover design: The Laboratory