A CANDID INTERVIEW WITH MARIA GIOVANNA. OF THE CAPE VERDE WATER BRAND
Maria Giovanna, the founder of the brand, was born in Italy, the daughter of a Cape Verdean mother and an Italian father. She has been visiting Cape Verde since she was a child and fell in love with its wines. “Whenever I returned to Italy after my vacation, I wanted to take a little bit of Cape Verde with me, I wanted to take the sea water, the sand, the smell, the colors, the music…
FABIO: What inspired the creation of Água de Cabo Verde as a perfume brand and how do you connect the Cape Verdean essence to the fragrances?
The inspiration behind Água de Cabo Verde comes from the deep love for the archipelago and the desire to tell its soul through fragrances. Our creations delve into the culture, landscapes and emotions of Cape Verde, translating its authenticity, strength and its “morabeza” — the typical hospitality of the islands — into unique olfactory experiences.
FABIO: Why did you choose to produce the perfumes in Italy and how does this influence the quality and identity of the products?
MARIA: We chose to produce the Our perfumes in Italy are renowned for their excellence and the long tradition of Italian fine perfumery. In Italy, we collaborate with the best perfumers, the finest raw materials and the most advanced techniques, allowing us to maintain exceptional quality without ever losing the vibrant and authentic identity of Cape Verde, and because at this time it is difficult to create a laboratory that meets the demands…
FABIO: Each perfume in the collection tells a unique story. Could you share the creative process behind one of the fragrances, such as “Morabeza” or “Sodade”?
MARIA: Each fragrance tells a story. For example, “Morabeza” was born from the desire to capture the warm hospitality and sweetness of life typical of Cape Verde. The creative process began with a deep immersion in the musical and cultural traditions of the archipelago, transforming emotions, colors and melodies into light and enveloping olfactory notes that immediately evoke a feeling of welcome and serenity.
FABIO: How do you see the presence and growth of African perfumery in the international niche market?
MARIA: We see exciting growth in African perfumery in the international niche market. Consumers are looking for authenticity, true stories and deep connections, and Africa, with its cultural and natural richness, has immense potential to assert itself through fragrances that tell the story of unique territories, traditions and innovations.
FABIO: What are the next steps or dreams to expand Água de Cabo Verde’s presence in the world?
MARIA: The next steps for Água de Cabo Verde include strengthening our international presence through selected collaborations and the creation of immersive sensorial experiences. Our dream is to allow more and more people to travel to the heart of Cabo Verde through our perfumes, bringing its authentic soul to the most prestigious stages in the world.
WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY PERFUMISTA
Made in Angola AO África
WILD SUMMER CRUSH
I saw you arrive from the depths of the orchards, carried by the wind.
Sweet sensations, it felt as if you had always been near.
I saw you arrive, yes I did, and in that moment, I felt a marvelous cheer.
Full of delights, you adorned our meeting with caresses.
Far from malice, I felt your touch on my skin like the sound of good news.
You are as precious as first fruits, created with the finest of ruses.
I saw you with my nose, yet my mouth filled with desire.
You are like sweet juice, a kiss that lips inspire, calling passion until the melody tires.
Oh addictive fruits! Why did you come to me so?
Oh addictive fruits! Why have you taken hold of me so?
Will your beginning ever find an end?
Behold—your scent has taken hold of me again!
Some time has passed since your arrival, yet I still feel you with the subtlety of a million roses
Floating over a lake of pleasures,
The red and carnal waters like the inside of delicious grapefruits
Lead us to unique, wonderful leisure treasures.
Time goes on and I feel you even stronger, oh northern rarity.
I crave to drink from your source and carry you to the highest summit.
You are as desirable as the dawn’s breaking light,
This summer I want to walk the paths where passion finds me right.
I held the wind so it wouldn’t take you away.
I stopped time so our days would remain only today.
Passion rhymes with summer, just as heart rhymes with emotion.
So take my hand, and to the rhythm of seduction, let’s live this beautiful season.
LOTUS RESIGN
Like the sound of dripping echoing from the lakes, I saw your majestic bloom.
A beautiful vision to behold, compared to a sound exquisitely swooned.
You emerged from the depths in a powerful grace,
Floating above the calm waters of a furious place.
I’ve been standing here for a while now, just staring at you—
How good it is, what I feel too.
I’m glad I didn’t resist,
So I can experience the purity that you insist.
When the birds sing and I find myself in peace,
I can call you from the soul’s release.
When you clothe yourself in white, I know it’s peace on its way.
When roses bloom in your flowers, it means you’re ready to love and stay.
The wind’s curtains part to let pass
The best of you drifting through the air like glass.
Warm and mild climates have witnessed the constant, purifying rise of your essence.
Nature itself has joined these memorable moments when you call mankind
To the purity of conscience.
Though many layers of mud may cover you,
Surely you will bloom again to purify the air with your noble fragrance too.
You’re surrounded by roses, iris, and jasmine fair,
Yet you remain the most elegant, with unmatched flair.
Beyond gazing with my eyes, I can feel you dancing in the breeze, just like in dreams.
When you’re present in my moments of joy, I indulge endlessly in your oils’ gleam.
They told me you are also a haven
To little creatures of nature who find comfort in your gentle haven.
Your scent adorns the royal water gardens with grace,
Many seasons have passed, yet your beauty remains, like that of a true princess’s face.
I feel embraced by your aromas like a stronghold’s embrace.
VANILICIUS
What sweet memories I have of you—
Delicious memories I hold so true.
In the vast fields of Africa, and Haiti too,
Today I recalled the best of you.
The journeys, the vast and beautiful landscapes we saw,
The thrill and rush of every adventure we bore.
Every landscape, every fantastic detail of the ride,
An incredible memory where every image must be enjoyed with pride.
Every dosage of this fragrant message
Is an indescribable emotion—pure olfactory passage.
How good it is to know that every moment by your side
Is now forever memorized.
It is delightful to recall the kindness carried in your essence.
Your enchanting presence is like a throne—velvet, soft, and effortless.
A sigh, a relief, a moment of peace and certainty.
I searched for words to describe your image, when suddenly
My memories awoke my sense of smell, and it asked my taste what it thought, and taste replied:
“I will describe such a sublime image
With the same beauty that your memory evokes in my being.”
My taste fills with longing,
For such creaminess my nose had never seen.
It was not just a cloud of pleasant aroma,
It was a memorable trip—a fragrant diploma.
Your trail is unmistakably notable.
You dominate, you reign—you are untamable.
