Nelson Freitas

Singer and producer Nelson Freitas is known for his smooth, lively blend of contemporary R&B and Cape Verdean cola-zouk tinged with hip-hop. A onetime member of zouk-influenced boy band Quatro (aka Quatro+), he launched his solo career in 2006 with the release of Magic. Collaborating along the way with artists such as Anselmo Ralph, Eddy Parker, and Mayra Andrade, his fourth solo long-player, Four, arrived in 2016. Born and raised in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and heavily influenced by the music of his parents' native Cape Verde, Freitas formed Quatro with singers Adilson Ben David, Nelson Oliveira, and Nilton Ramalho in the late 1990s. They appeared on a handful compilations before issuing 4 Vôz (Four Voices) in 1998. Second full-length Bem Consché followed in 2002 before the group added Nelson's brother, Edson Freitas, to the lineup and tweaked their name to Quatro Plus for 2004's Último Viagem. The band had a number of hits, and Freitas made his solo debut in 2006 with Magic. With appearances by Tó Semedo, Kaysha, and one by Quatro+, it included songs in both English and Cape Verdean Creole. My Life followed on Ghettozouk Music in 2010, and his third full-length, Elevate, arrived in 2013. Its guests included, among others, Anselmo Ralph and C4 Pedro. Live at Coliseu dos Recreios appeared in 2015, and he delivered his fourth studio album, Four, in 2016. Released regionally on Universal Music Portugal, it included collaborations with Portuguese singer Richie Campbell and Cape Verdean vocalist Mayra Andrade. Sempre Verão followed in 2019 with spots by Elji Beatzkilla, Djodje, Eddy Parker, and Loony Johnson. ~ Marcy Donelson