On a chilly evening in London, The Garage was transformed into a melting pot of culture, rhythm, and community as Dino D’Santiago graced the stage.
The room was brimming with anticipation, mostly from members of the Lusophone diaspora. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a homecoming, a shared experience of saudade—a Portuguese word that perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet longing for home that permeated the night.
The diverse crowd, united by shared roots across Portuguese-speaking countries, felt like a family gathering. For immigrants who’ve been away from their homelands for years, this night was a reminder of their connection to their cultures. Dino’s decision to dedicate the concert to the Palestinian people added another layer of poignancy, drawing a powerful parallel between the longing for home and the struggle for justice.
The evening began with an intimate performance by Raquel Martins, a Portuguese independent artist based in London. Her delicate, moody guitar and soft vocals struck a chord with the audience, setting a reflective tone for what was to come. Then came Dino D’Santiago.
Humble and radiant, he stepped onto the stage wearing a “FREE GAZA” t-shirt to roaring cheers. From the first note, his smooth vocals, paired with the vibrant sounds of Morna, Batuku, and Funaná, transported the audience straight to the shores of Cape Verde.
His ability to blend traditional Cape Verdean music with modern, soulful undertones is unmatched, and he wielded that gift effortlessly, captivating everyone in the room.
A standout moment was Dino’s acapella rendition of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, performed with the crowd in solidarity. In the context of his dedication to Palestinian artist Malik Mattar and the broader message of justice and unity, the song became a profound, goosebump-inducing experience. The room echoed with voices singing as one—a testament to Dino’s ability to unify through music.
The night was punctuated with moments of infectious energy, especially when Dino stepped into the crowd for performances of Kriolu and Tudo Certo. Surrounded by fans dancing, he created an atmosphere that felt intimate and electric all at once. It was as though the boundaries between artist and audience had dissolved entirely.
Dino’s warmth and humility shone throughout the performance. Even after the show, he stepped into the crowd, taking pictures and engaging with fans, embodying the same kindness that everyone who interacts with him seems to remark upon. It was a personal touch that reflected his authenticity as an artist and as a person.
For anyone who wasn’t part of the Lusophone diaspora, this concert was a window into the powerful unifying force of Dino D’Santiago’s music. His rhythms are infectious, his energy is boundless, and his message of togetherness and resilience is universal. As someone who had the privilege of seeing Dino perform before, it’s clear that he never fails to bring passion, humility, and humanity to his shows.
Dino D’Santiago isn’t just a musician—he’s a bridge between cultures, a voice for the displaced, and a reminder of the joy and power of connection. At The Garage, London, he turned a chilly January evening into a warm, unforgettable celebration of identity, resilience, and hope.
Words and photography by Margarida Pereira
