Gilyto

Gilyto Semedo, aka Mr. Entertainer is a Cape Verdean singer, songwriter, dancer, television and music producer, cultural activist, and mentor of Cabo Verde Music Awards and PALOP Music Awards.

Biography

Gilyto was born in Assomada, Santa Catarina.
In 1987 he moved to Portugal, in Lisbon he made his studies and later resided in Rotterdam,. He recorded his first album ''Kel Tempu'' ("Aquele Tempo" in Portuguese, "That Time" in English) in 1999, his second was recorded in 2001 and was titled ''Nha Atriz Principal'' (''My Main Actress'') which he received his first Disco de Ouro - Gold Record award. He made various shows in Africa, Europe and Americas.
The album ''Diamante Africana'' (''African Diamond'') was released in April 2005, became a huge successful.
His first DVD "Mr. Entertainer" was released in the same year too (December 2015).

''Traduson pa Tradison'', a double album was released in December 2006(Acoustic).
Two years later he released his Live DVD ''Live@Luxembourg'' (2008).
A modern dance album ''Stribilin!'' came out on July 5, 2009.

He paused his music career in 2010 and in 2011 he started producing the first ever Cabo Verde Music Awards - March 12, through his Label GMS Entertainment.
Soraia de Deus and Zito Sequeira were part of his team,

Twelve years of his music career ''Best Of'' which were released on CD and DVD in December 2011.
He also produced ''Novo Formato dos Festivais Pago'' in Cape Verde for the 21st Festival da Gamboa in Praia and Festival de Areia Grande-Pedra Badejo
''15 Anos de Funaná/Kizomba'' on June 26, 2014, to commemorates fifteen years of his career, includes two new singles "Ranja Ku Mi" and "Segredu Sabi di Sabe".
He was honored by the Municipality of Santa Catarina on November 25, the place of his birth.
New Single "Peace and Love" was released on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2015.

He was also honored by the Municipality of Santa Cruz and the mayor of Boston, Massachusetts, Marty Walsh in May 2015 and Radio station "Nha Terra" (Roxbury) in recognition of his 15 years of his career and the contribution that he gave on the Cape Verdean culture.
Cultural's Projects with impact like "Talentu Strela" and "Cabo Verde Music Awards -CVMA".

Gilyto is also one of the founding members of SCM (Sociedade Cabo-verdiana de Música / Cape Verdean Music Society).

The Single "Poder di Povu!" was released in Feb. 2016.

Also In 2016 the Mayor Bill Carpenter - City Of Brockton, Massachusetts(USA) honored Gilyto and his team CVMA for the 6th Edition of Cabo Verde Music Awards.

After several years dedicated to cultural and academic projects, Gilyto makes a powerful return to music with the project “Funaná To The Moon”, reaffirming his commitment to the internationalization of Funaná.

The first single, “Pila-Tenti”, released on July 5, 2024 (Cape Verde’s Independence Day), celebrates the traditional process of pounding corn, serving as a metaphor for authenticity and cultural resistance.
He followed up with “Fim-de-Semana”, a vibrant track that highlights the balance between work, leisure, and family values.

Released on April 4, 2025, "Rabida Futuro,” Gilyto’s third single, reflects the journey of emigrants striving for a better future. The slow Funaná rhythm underscores the song’s message of hope and resilience.

These singles pave the way for the highly anticipated EP “Funaná To The Moon”, set for release in Summer 2025, marking Gilyto’s strong return to the stage as a true ambassador of modern Funaná.

With over 25 years of career, he continues to inspire generations with his energy, cultural innovation, and unwavering passion for Cape Verdean music.

Musical styles

His musical styles includes funana, kizomba, zouk, cabozouk, dance, cabo love and R & B.

Discography

*1999 – ''Kel Tempu'' (''That Time'')
*2001 – ''Nha Atriz Principal'' (''My Main Actress'')
*2005 – ''Diamante Africana'' (''African Diamond'')
*2006 – ''Traduson Pa Tradison'' (Acoustic)
*2008 – ''Live@Luxembourg'' - Live album
*2008 – ''Cabo Zouk in Brasil'' (''Cabo Zouk in Brazil'')
*2009 - ''Stribilin!''
*2011 - ''Best Of''
*2014 -''15 Anos de Funaná/Kizomba'' (''15 Years of Funaná and Kizomba'') - Double disc
*2017 – ''Dance Floor''

DVDs

*''Mr. Entertainer'', 2005
*''Live@Luxembourg'', 2008
*''Stribilin!'', 2009
*''Best Of'', 2011

Single

Featurings

*2001 – CD ''Lusodance IV''
*2003 – CD ''Explosão Love''
*2006 – CD/DVD ''Dança África 2''
*2007 – CD ''Kizomba Mix''
*2007 – CD/DVD ''Eddu (Prendem na Bô)''
*2007 - DVD/CD ''O Canto dos Animais'' (''Animal Songs'') (children's work)
*2011 - CD ''Papagaio & As Moranguitas'' (children's work)
*2011 - CD ''BCA''
*2012 - Papagaio & As Moranguitas (children's audiobook)
*2014 - 2 CDs ''Papagaio & As Moranguitas'' (children's book)

Projects

*O Canto Dos Animais”,
*Padrinho da Escola: Girassol da Várzea (Praia, Cabo Verde)
*Padrinho da Ficase
*Padrinho da Escola: Achada Galedo
*T-shirts ''Made in Cabo Verde'' - "Independence Day"
*O Papagaio & As Moranguitas
*Talentu Strela
*Cabo Verde Music Awards
*Primeiro Hino da Seleção Caboverdiana de Futebol (Tubarões Azuis)
*Novo Formato dos Festivais Pago em Cabo Verde - Gambôa 2013, Assomada(Santa Catarina) & Santa Cruz (Pedra Badejo).
*Palop Music Awards

External links

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gilyto
1976 births
Living people
Zouk musicians
21st-century Cape Verdean male singers
People from Santa Catarina, Cape Verde