(I attempted multiple times to upload the sound as a video and audio but it did not show as successful so I did attach a link to my university one drive, please email me if not available or showing).
Background: Waves crashing against the sand, the soothing rhythm of the ocean blending with the gentle notes of a background instrumental, setting a reflective, nostalgic tone.
(Verse 1)
The wind hums a morna,
its melody salted by the Atlantic,
carrying whispers of my ancestors—
fishers, farmers, dreamers—
who danced under a sapphire sky.
Waves crash against volcanic shores,
each one a heartbeat,
each one a story,
telling me I belong to the sea.
Instrumental swells as waves continue their rhythm.
(Chorus)
I am the daughter of salt and stars,
a bridge between oceans and skylines.
Cape Verde sings in my veins,
its sun still warming my London nights.
The island speaks through me,
in the dreams I chase,
in the beauty I refuse to tame.
Soft instrumental plays, giving space for the words to resonate (maybe).
(Verse 2)
I left, but the island never left me.
In London’s concrete labyrinth,
I feel Cape Verde in the rhythm of my steps.
The gray clouds cannot dim my fire;
I wear my heritage like gold,
bright enough to blind doubt.
Instrumental fades slightly, waves still heard in the background.
(Chorus)
I am the daughter of salt and stars,
a bridge between oceans and skylines.
Cape Verde sings in my veins,
its sun still warming my London nights.
The island speaks through me,
in the dreams I chase,
in the beauty I refuse to tame.
(Bridge)
Cachupa simmers in memory,
each bite a hymn of resilience.
The steady pulse of batuque guides me,
reminding me I am not lost—
I am rooted.
The city’s chaos whispers opportunity,
but it’s the Atlantic that roars ambition.
The sound of waves intensifies, symbolizing strength and connection.
(Final Chorus)
I am the daughter of salt and stars,
a bridge between oceans and skylines.
Cape Verde sings in my veins,
its sun still warming my London nights.
The island speaks through me,
in the words I write,
in the beauty I refuse to tame.
(Outro)
I am not just one place,
I am a thousand sunsets,
a thousand stories.
I am the past and the future,
woven into one.
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(References)
Warsan Shire – Themes of migration and belonging inspire the verses.
Cesária Évora – The morna influence carries through the rhythm and emotion.
Amílcar Cabral – His pride in Cape Verdean identity informs the lyrical tone.
Beyoncé’s “Spirit” – Inspired the bridge and uplifting nature of the lyrics.
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Postproduction Edits Sheet
1. Audio Edits:
- Fades and transitions: Ensure smooth transitions between each section, especially between verses, chorus, and bridge.
- Music volume: The instrumental should be at a subtle volume during narration, gradually increasing during the chorus for emphasis, and then gently fading out for the outro.
- Sound effects: Layer in ambient sounds like waves, wind, city noise, and simmering food without overpowering the spoken word. Adjust my volume as needed for atmospheric build-up.
- Voice clarity: Adjust EQ to ensure the voice is clear and crisp over background sounds, but allow the instrumental to play through for added texture.
Music and Sound Effects:
- For the background instrumental, find a composition that mirrors the peaceful but resilient qualities of the ocean, with some crescendos for emotional moments.
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Annotations:
In this audio project, I’ve incorporated key elements that align with the criteria outlined in the assignment. The script’s length, spanning around 100-120 seconds, fits within the required timeframe. It introduces and explores the passion of my Cape Verdean heritage, focusing on themes of belonging, migration, and cultural resilience. The poem itself serves as the speech/dialogue component, with a reflective tone that transitions from nostalgia to empowerment.
The background music has been designed to complement the emotional journey of the poem, with soft instrumental swells that rise during the chorus and fade during reflective verses. This creates a dynamic atmosphere that supports the message of the poem without overpowering the voice.
Diegetic sound effects like the constant sound of crashing waves anchor the listener in the coastal imagery of Cape Verde, ensuring the setting remains vivid. Non-diegetic sound effects enhance the mood, such as the swelling music and the intensifying sound of waves in the bridge to symbolize strength and connection to my roots.
The references to Warsan Shire, Cesária Évora, Amílcar Cabral, and Beyoncé’s “Spirit” enrich the poem’s themes of cultural pride, identity, and resilience, grounding the narrative in personal and cultural history
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