New Bedford Music Icon Candida Rose Is Now an Author

Candida Rose said she's been singing since she was a little girl. The New Bedford resident is now a renowned jazz singer in her own right, performing at local and regional venues and on the national and international stage, including Cape Verde.

Candida Rose Baptista stopped by Townsquare Sunday this week to talk about her life, and a book she's written on how Cape Verdean culture has influenced her career.

"I was born into a Cape Verdean community and culture," Baptista said. "There was always music of some kind in the home, and there were dances and events for young people at the Vet's Hall or Band Club, it was always there."

Baptista graduated from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2005. When seeking her Masters Degree in 2016, she produced a narrative about Cape Verdean music and cultural icons internationally and locally, such as Joli Gonsalves, Toi Grace and Freddy Silva. That research became the basis of her book, Kabu Merikanus - The Sum of US.

"I stand on the shoulders of so many amazing Cape Verdean and Cape Verdean-American musicians and vocalists, some of them right here in New Bedford," she said.

The book is available on Amazon or can be purchased on the Candida Rose website . She will also be giving a book reading at the October 10 AHA! Night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Celia's Boutique, located at 111 William Street in New Bedford.

Baptista said she still very much enjoys performing and singing.

"I've been doing it full-time since 2005, as part of my business, Golden Rose Music. During the day I sing in nursing homes and assisted living centers," she said. "I also have my band, Kabu Jazz, where we perform professionally. This is what I do, this is my life."