Revista de Cabo Verde

The Revista de Cabo Verde (São Vicente) was the first magazine published in the country, initially as a monthly and later as a fortnightly, running for 17 issues (January–December 1899), before ceasing publication due to financial difficulties. The number of pages varied considerably, with the early issues being particularly substantial. In issue 4, it announced its intention to switch to fortnightly publication whilst it had a “surplus of material” to avoid publishing supplements, but without committing to maintaining this frequency, which did not always happen. On that occasion, it also changed the format, reduced the number of pages, stopped including covers for each issue and discontinued the continuous numbering.

Perhaps because it was difficult to arrange for printing in Cape Verde at a dedicated or independent print shop, it was printed in Lisbon at Libânio da Silva’s print shop (Rua do Norte, 91), which had made a name for itself in the art of printing. Although issue no. 11 indicates that the magazine had its own premises, no address is given. From that point onward, it began stating that the editor was accepting commissions for printing work, suggesting that he may have acted as an agent for Libânio da Silva in Cape Verde.

Driven and written almost exclusively by “local people”, the Revista de Cabo Verde was founded and edited by Luís Loff de Vasconcellos, with the aim of “reviewing all matters of general interest to Cape Verde, across a wide range of fields” (“Introduction”, no. 1). As Borlido Martins emphasised in that same issue, in an article in which he defended the press’s role in challenging those in power, the magazine emerged at a time when freedom of press was under threat in Portugal and its colonies (“The Press and Power”). It was, therefore, a magazine that set out to represent the Cape Verdean people and to challenge those in power when deemed necessary. 

In that very presentation, Loff de Vasconcellos identified cyclical food crises as the country’s main problem, a theme that would be repeatedly revisited in the pages of the magazine. The publication also distinguished itself by featuring debates amongst its contributors and with other publications. Moreover, it even announced its intention to create a ‘Controversies’ section (No. 3, March). Among the controversies it sparked, the most notable were those surrounding the relocation of Cape Verde’s capital, the possibility of selling the colonies, and the issue of education in Cape Verde. The articles addressed, amongst other topics, the aims of colonialism and its representation in the colony, Cape Verdean identity, racism and discrimination, autonomy and independence, nativism, tensions between the metropolis and the colonies, and the European empires and their colonial models. The magazine also published a ‘Manifesto to the people of Cape Verde’ which sought to make a representation to the King on behalf of São Vicente, reflecting the tensions between the Leeward and Windward regions of Cape Verde (No. 12, August). 

The magazine also distinguished itself by promoting Cape Verdean literature and cultural activities, with significant contributions from local writers, particularly in poetry. It also published the serialised novel “Amores d'uma criola” (The Loves of a Creole Woman) by António de Arteaga, set in Ribeira Grande during the period of slavery. 

Form and presentation: Sandra Ataíde Lobo

Translation from Portuguese: Loraine Alberto

Bibliography:

Brito, Jorge, Genealogia dos cabo-verdianos com ligações de parentesco a Jorge e Garda Brito, a seus familiares e às famílias dos seus descendentes. https://www.barrosbrito.com/ 

Chazalon, Christophe, "Revista de Cabo Verde" Littérature Caboverdienne: a la découverte d'une culture méconue. https://www.lirecapvert.org/revista-de-cabo-verde1899.html 

Garmes, Hélder, "O pioneirismo político e literário da Revista de Cabo Verde", Scripta  (Belo Horizonte), vol. 10, n° 19 (2006), p. 15-24. https://periodicos.pucminas.br/scripta/article/view/13935 

Oliveira, João Nobre de,  A imprensa Cabo-Verdiana 1820-1975. 2ª ed. Mindelo: Ilhéu Editora, 2022

Revista de Cabo Verde, nºs 1-17 – BNP digital collection