12 – 19 October 2026
Cabo Verde.
A crossroads of Atlantic sound.
A central point in the journey across the Atlantic - a chain of islands with a richly patterned history and music that knows every culture but remains unmistakably its own.
The Journey
A deep immersion into the music and culture.
Cabo Verde sits at the crossroads of Africa, Europe and the Americas - a chain of islands whose music has become one of their major exports and whose sounds reflect every cultural influence that has ever touched the archipelago.
Join us in Santa Maria on the island of Sal - a chilled surf community where the streets are filled with live music every night of the week. Days are for study, deep listening and time by the ocean. Evenings are for immersion.
What Makes It Special
Highlights.
Private tuition with Sandro Barros
Daily masterclasses with a lifelong Cape Verdean musician and historian - songs, technique, and the stories behind the sound.
Catamaran day trip
A full day on the water to connect with the seafaring spirit that has shaped island culture from the very beginning.
Djembe class with Lamine Sarr
A dedicated day of drumming with Djembefolla Lamine Sarr - one of many local guest musicians who will join us across the week.
Nightly live music
Santa Maria's streets host live music every night. We move as a group and sit in with local players wherever the sound takes us.
Day by Day
The itinerary.
- Day 1
Arrival & Welcome Circle
Meet the group in Santa Maria. Opening dinner and orientation with Sandro.
- Day 2
Roots of Morna & Coladeira
Historical listening session and first guitar workshop with Sandro.
- Day 3
Djembe Day with Lamine Sarr
A full day of West African rhythms and how they travelled to the islands.
- Day 4
Catamaran & Sea Culture
A day at sea. Music, food, and stories from the fishing villages of Sal.
- Day 5
Guitar Technique & Groove
Deep dive into the finger-style patterns that define island guitar playing.
- Day 6
Field Recording Night
We record with local musicians in a session house in Espargos.
- Day 7
Group Performance
Closing performance where the group plays together in a Santa Maria venue.
- Day 8
Farewell & Departures
Closing circle, breakfast on the beach, and onward journeys.
Your facilitator
Sandro Barros
A full-time musician and educator, Sandro is a historian with a unique understanding of the Cape Verdean story. As guitarist, teacher and cultural custodian, he brings the archipelago's music alive from the inside.
What's Included
In your journey.
- ◆7 nights accommodation (hotel or hostel)
- ◆Daily masterclasses with Sandro Barros
- ◆Djembe class with Lamine Sarr
- ◆Full-day catamaran excursion
- ◆Group performance & recording session
- ◆Airport transfers on the island
- ◆Welcome and closing dinners
Not Included
Please plan for.
- –International flights
- –Travel insurance
- –Lunches and evening meals (except stated)
- –Personal instruments (rentals available)
From Previous Journeys
Video stories.
Films from past travellers, master teachers and the moments in between.
Full films coming soon - reach out to see private edits from previous journeys.
Travellers' Words
What people carried home.
The most alive I've felt with music in years. Sandro is a wellspring of stories and every one of them changes how you play.
I came as a beginner and left with a whole new relationship to rhythm. The catamaran day is unforgettable.
More testimonials available on request - we're happy to connect you with past travellers.
Frequently Asked
Questions.
Anything else? Message Jake directly and we'll answer within 24 hours.
- Do I need to be an experienced musician?
- No. Liberation Music journeys welcome curious beginners through to working professionals. Sessions are pitched to the group and Sandro tailors his teaching to every player.
- What instruments should I bring?
- A travel guitar if you have one. Percussion is provided. If you play something unusual, message us before booking and we'll plan around it.
- What are the accommodation options?
- You can choose between a comfortable hotel stay (£600) or shared hostel accommodation (£500). Both are minutes from the ocean and our session spaces.
- How do I book my flights?
- Fly into Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) on Sal. Once you're booked in we send a full pre-departure pack with recommended flight routes.
- Is Sal safe for travellers?
- Santa Maria is one of the most welcoming towns in West Africa - a genuine surf and music community. We move as a group in the evenings and stay in trusted neighbourhoods.
- Can I bring a partner who doesn't play?
- Absolutely. Partners are welcome at a slightly reduced rate and can join every non-tuition part of the week.
Next step
Book a call about Cabo Verde.
A 20-minute conversation with Jake to answer your questions, hear what you play, and see if this journey is the right fit. No pressure to book.
Continue Exploring
