Mário LúcioCape Verde |1964| PortugueseMário Lúcio, also known as Izé, born Lúcio Matias de Sousa Mendes, is a multifaceted Cape Verdean artist. He is a singer, composer, writer, politician, and painter. In 1992, Mário Lúcio founded the band Simentera, a pivotal group that reinvigorated Cape Verdean music by returning it to its acoustic roots.
Additionally, he holds the distinction of being a founder and director of the Quintal da Música Cultural Association, a private cultural center dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional music.
In 2011, he assumed the role of Cape Verdean Minister of Culture, a position he held for five years, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of Cape Verde.