Colá

As a music genre, colá is characterized by having an andante tempo, a 6/8[1] or 3/4 measure and traditionally it is just melodic, i.e., it is just sung, it has no polyphonic accompaniment.

This music genre is the most popular in the Barlavento Islands (which were later populated), one source stated that it was developed around the 17th century.

However, it is known with other affinities with more popular genres of Santiago Island,[2] along with batuque and tabanka.

According to Félix Monteiro,[3] the word kolâ is of African origin (Mandinka) meaning "to acclaim, praise aloud, homage" According to the dates, colá music is best known for religious festivals, according to their patron saint of an area or the island.

In Santo Antão "cola-se", the festival of Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) on May 3 in the areas of Coculi and Chã das Pedras, Saint Anthony (Santo António) on June 13 in Pombas, Saint John the Baptist (São João Batista) on June 24 in Porto Novo and Saint Peter the Apostle (São Pedro Apóstolo) on June 29 in Garça.