About Me
Born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Candida Rose Baptista (musically known simply as “Candida Rose”) is a 2nd generation American-born Cabo Verdean. She is a vocalist, songwriter, entertainer, music and cultural educator, and author, as well as a mother and grandmother. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth with a Bachelor of Arts – Music Degree, specializing in African-American/World music performance, with a minor in African-American Studies. In addition, in 2017 she graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Boston with a Master of Science Degree in Transnational, Cultural, and Community Studies. As a working performer, through her company Golden Rose Music, in addition to her work with various jazz, R&B, and Cape Verdean musical groups (including Women in World Jazz and her group, the KabuJazz Ensemble), Candida spends her days traveling the SouthCoast region of Massachusetts and Rhode Island as a Life Enrichment Entertainer, performing for Nursing Home, Assisted Living and Adult Day Care facilities, as well as for various senior groups and associations.
As a cultural/musical educator, her work includes her 10-song debut CD entitled “KabuMerikana: The Sum of Me” (released in 2006), which combines her Cabo Verdean musical roots with her American (primarily jazz) influences, a mixture she calls “KabuJazz”. She was recently featured on a PBS national television program, “No Passport Required/Boston” with Marcus Samuelsson, presenting music and culture of Cabo Verde. She is also a contributing author of a newly released book entitled “Kriolas Poderozas: Cabo Verdean Women Writing Remembrance, Resistance, and Revolution”. She has presented her cultural musical work via a performance/lecture format at several conferences, museums, and other educational organizations throughout Massachusetts, and she has been selected by the New Bedford Whaling Historical National Park as a 2022 Artist-in-Residence, from July-Sept.
As a spiritual vocalist, the bulk of her experience is derived from her 25 + years as a music/choir director, arranger, composer and soloist with the Union Baptist Church (where she served as Assistant Choir Director, among other duties). She is also a sought after guest soloist for churches, schools/universities, and other organizations in the SouthCoast Massachusetts and Rhode Island areas. For the past several years, she has been part of the Music Ministry Team of Unity Radiant Light in North Providence, RI where she sings for Sunday services in person and virtually. She is also currently a dedicated Unity Truth Student, learning New Thought concepts and ideas, as well as taking courses to pursue Music Ministry in the form of message and song, through Unity Worldwide. She has just released her new CD, “Here I AM!”, which reflects on her spiritual journey; tracks include her single, “Love Each Other Through,” as well as other original songs like “Spirit Dance.”
As a multi-faceted vocal artist, she paints the songs she sings with all of the colors of her voice, personality, and inner being to create a unique piece of art, whether interpreting other works or creating her own. It is said that she captivates her audiences and stirs them with a uniquely compelling voice that combines the overtones and undertones of jazz and rhythm and blues, with just the right touch of international spice.
