Lisandro Cuxi on how he was inspired by his sister
Lisandro Cuxi is a young singer-songwriter whose voice has recently won him Best Lusophone Artist at the Trace Awards in Rwanda.
Born in Portugal of Cabo Verdean parents, he moved to France at the age of nine.
His initial inspiration was his sister Soraia Ramos, a successful singer in her own right.
“She used to sing a lot of cover versions. And I used to say: ‘I want to sing like you, sister.’”
His former manager spotted his talent after he put a video on social media which went viral.
She proposed that he enter the French version of the TV talent show The Voice Kids in 2015.
“I was scared. This is on TV? No I’m not going there. I’m going to sing in my room!”
But she convinced him to enter at the age of 16 and he finished 2nd.
“When I lost The Voice Kids and my manager said: ‘Let’s do it again,’ I said ‘What? No! Imagine if I lose again! This is not possible!’ But she convinced me. “You’re the best. You can do it!’”
Lisandro started working towards another try.
“I was not getting out with my friends, and all my guys were like: ‘Yo let’s just go out!’ And I was like: ‘No. I got to work my voice, I got to dance, I got to go to the gym.’
“For about two years I was working hard so I think I was ready. And yeah I won it.”
Lisandro says that if it hadn’t been for his sister’s encouragement, he would never have achieved it.
His music has charted in France and a new album is due for release in 2024 featuring some big Nigerian artists.
BY DJ DU
