National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

Bidinte, who comes from Guinea Bissau, is a composer, vocalist, guitar player and percussionist who uses his beautifully soulful voice to full effect.

Born in Bolama, he had his first contact with making music at the age of 14. He found a mandolin in an old abandoned house and, with his friends, started to play the traditional music of the gumbe, teaching himself the instrument just by listening to the popular music of his country.

Guinea Bissau is a former Portuguese colony and has a similar musical style to that of Cape Verde — home to diva Cesaria Evora. With these influences, Bidinte mixes Afro-Portuguese rhythms, Guinean gumbe and flamenco sounds to create a rich backdrop for his vocals. —Courtesy Calabash Music