CPLP Summer Breeze Festival 2025
The Lighthouse Venue,
12, Centenary Park, Coronet Way, Eccles, Salford M50 1RE
1 PM - 9 PM
Saturday, 19 July 2025
Celebrate the lusophone culture
The CPLP Summer Breeze Festival is back for its third edition on Saturday, 19th July 2025 at The Lighthouse Venue in Salford, Greater Manchester!
This year’s festival holds special significance, as it marks 50 years of independence for the four Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) nations: Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe. We’re honouring this milestone with a full day of music, dance, and flavour.
Join us and enjoy live performances from Lusophone artists, hands-on workshops, and traditional food from CPLP countries and beyond.
Line-up highlights
Get ready for a day of performances by renowned artists and entertainers who will captivate the audience with the best of Lusophone culture!
Dina Medina
Her solo debut came in 1995 with Paixão e Coração, followed by Separação in 1997, establishing her as a pop icon in Cape Verde. In 2006, inspired by Portuguese fado singer Fernando Lameirinhas, she released MornaMente, a tribute to Cape Verde’s traditional, melancholic morna. The album, recorded in part with the Metropole Orkest, won critical acclaim and two Cabo Verde Music Awards.
In 2015, she teamed up with Thijs Borsten for Pegam na Mô, an album that blends funaná, zouk, and morna with global influences. Dina continues to perform widely, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and deep connection to Cape Verdean music.
Miriam Monteiro
Her breakthrough came at 18 when she won a music competition in Luxembourg, which led her to explore the rhythms of Kizomba under the artistic name Kya Monteiro. She went on to win TMC International, a prestigious international music competition in the Netherlands, further cementing her rising status in the Lusophone music scene.
Now performing under her name, Miriam recently released her debut single “Kriola”, a heartfelt celebration of her identity and heritage. She actively promotes her music across Cape Verde, England, and Portugal, bringing her unique sound and story to new audiences.
Filipe Santo
His songs explore themes of love, loss, and the everyday narratives of São Toméan society and lifestyle. Felipe's impact is far-reaching, with two studio albums released and numerous collaborations with artists across the Lusophone world. In 2016, he was awarded the STP Music Awards, the most prestigious accolade in São Tomé’s music industry.
Jalex
In 2013 he released "Mi quimera", a kizomba fusion album, followed by "A tu Lado", a fusion of Pop, Latin, kizomba and R&B rhythms.
Jalex has performed at The Taste of Africa Festival in Washington, D.C., where the audience voted him the best performer. His single "MAMA", released in 2020 and produced by Sony Music Entertainment, landed him several appearances on Spanish, Portuguese, and Ibero-American TV.
His latest single, “Condición” released in in December 2023 with a special collaboration of the great vocalist Micas Cabral from the world-renowned African band Tabanka Jaz, reached 3.3 k viewers in just 2 months.
Gustavo & the Brazukas
The group is led by São Paulo-born saxophonist and arranger Gustavo Andrade and brings together top talent from Leeds’s jazz and world music scenes. The band’s powerhouse vocalist, Maya Blandy, a UK/Portuguese artist with a rising solo career, fronts an ensemble featuring musicians from acts like Plantfood, Carioca Soul, Tempo Feliz, Awen Ensemble, Mangorata, and Away from Home.
From intimate club gigs to open-air festivals, The Brasukas light up every stage. Their dynamic live performances, filled with groove, energy, and joy, have sold out venues like Band on the Wall (Manchester), Peggy’s Skylight (Nottingham), Brudenell Social Club, and Belgrave Music Hall (Leeds). Their repertoire is a vibrant celebration of Brazilian music, blending samba, bossa nova, forró, frevo, Brazilian soul, and jazz-funk. Gustavo’s bold arrangements bring fresh life to classics by Jorge Ben, Gilberto Gil, Tim Maia, Ivete Sangalo, Tom Jobim, Alcione, Seu Jorge, and more.
Da-Skill
After moving to the Algarve, he co-founded Aliados no Rap, performing at schools and local events while building his reputation in the Portuguese hip-hop scene.
Throughout the 2000s, Da-Skill remained deeply involved in the movement, organising cultural events, mentoring young people, and using music to inspire. In 2008, he turned his focus to gospel music, performing across the UK in evangelical settings.
Since 2018, Da-Skill has returned to his Hip Hop roots, embracing a more professional path. His 2022 EP, “Vidas & Sentimentos,” blends Hip-Hop and Afrobeat influences, showcasing collaborations with talented Angolan artists. His music has since reached audiences in Brazil, Angola, Portugal, and Mozambique through radio, TV, and digital platforms.
DJ Sean Wilson
He hosts regular Kizomba, PALOP, and Latin nights and live performances in Manchester and the rest of the UK, including Leeds' biggest Latin multi-room event, ‘Calle Ocho Leeds’.
In 2014, he became the resident Kizomba DJ at the UK’s largest Latin dance event, Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba at Blackpool Tower Ballroom, as well as playing all over the UK and internationally since 2013, including regular performances in Lisbon, Madrid, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Portland.
In 2018 and 2019, he played at the Notting Hill Carnival as part of the Batuke!
He was the winner of the Muxima ‘Best promoter award’ in 2018. Since 2020, he has hosted a weekly Kizomba radio show on internet radio ‘Bar Latina Radio’.
Workshops
Join the various workshops happening throughout the day. Open to all ages and experience levels, everyone is welcome to participate and give it a try!!
TUCUM Capoeira Manchester
Rooted in resistance and resilience, Capoeira is more than just a movement; it celebrates culture, freedom and creativity. The workshop offers a unique opportunity to try something new, promote physical fitness, and build focus, confidence and self-discipline. Through controlled movement and play, Capoeira helps young people channel their energy positively, improving calmness and emotional regulation while reducing negative behaviours.
This experience is designed to bring people together, foster social cohesion and intercultural understanding, and encourage participants to step out of their comfort zones. Whether you're joining in or watching the performance, Capoeira is a dynamic spectacle that connects body, mind, and spirit.
Come and move with us to learn, play and celebrate in rhythm with a global heritage that belongs to all of us.
Creolas di Salford
They have been rehearsing and running community workshops with our support for nearly a year, sharing the powerful tradition of Batuku. This Cape Verdean tradition combines music, dance, and storytelling to express resilience, culture, and connection.
The group has already wowed audiences at significant events, including the CPLP Festival (where they earned a standing ovation from over 3,000 attendees!), The Lowry Theatre’s "We Invented the Weekend" festival, our Black History Month celebration, and CAHN’s Christmas Carol event at the Cathedral.
As part of a vibrant summer event, they’ll offer an engaging introduction to Batuku: teaching drumming rhythms, dance movements, and the cultural story behind this unique tradition. The session will close with an interactive stage performance, inviting participants to participate and celebrate their learning.
Kizomba Workshop
Sean has been bringing the soulful rhythms of Angola and PALOP culture to dance floors across the Northwest, including as a resident DJ at Blackpool Tower Ballroom and host of Calle Ocho Leeds.
This workshop is open to all and offers a chance to explore Kizomba dance while celebrating Lusophone heritage and community spirit. Aligned with Lusoconnection’s mission to promote cultural inclusion and support Portuguese-speaking communities, this session is about connection, rhythm, and joy.
Toddler Sing & Dance
These sessions are addressed to families with children aged 0–5, this interactive session offers a unique opportunity to explore music, movement, and play in a welcoming, multicultural setting.
Débora brings her expertise in music education and passion for cultural expression to create a space where little ones can learn and bond through rhythm and creativity. The workshop blends traditional and contemporary Lusophone children's songs, drawing from the rich musical traditions of Portuguese-speaking countries, to gently engage children’s senses and spark curiosity.
The workshop supports the development of motor skills, coordination, and early communication through song and dance. Parents and carers are encouraged to participate, creating shared moments of connection and fun.
Food stalls
Explore a great selection of flavours from across the CPLP and beyond. From the rich and diverse cuisines of Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, and São Tomé to crowd favourites like Jamaican dishes, burgers, and sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every taste.
Enjoy refreshing ice cream, homemade cakes, and of course, the iconic pastel de nata. Vegetarian options are also available.
Service & craft stalls
Take a stroll through our service and craft stalls, where you’ll find everything from handmade crafts and personalised gifts to health and wellbeing information.
Whether you’re looking to pick up something unique or learn more about local services, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy.
Fun guaranteed all day long!
We haven’t forgotten about the children! The CPLP Summer Breeze Festival has something for the whole family, including a special area for the little ones, featuring inflatables and face painting with their favourite characters, as well as a day full of fun.
Children will find plenty of space to play and a welcoming atmosphere, while the adults socialise and enjoy the best of the event.
Event location - The Lighthouse Venue
How to get there?
Click here to see the best route to The Lighthouse Venue, by bus or tram. Parking is also available onsite (with a limit of 125 vehicles).





















