june freedom

Biography

June Freedom is a genre-bending singer-songwriter and producer born on June 24, 1988, in Boston, Massachusetts, and raised in Cape Verde. His early years on the volcanic island of Fogo immersed him in the rich musical traditions of Cape Verde, particularly Morna—a style blending Portuguese, African, Brazilian, and Cuban influences. At age 12, he represented Cape Verde in a singing competition in Portugal, an experience that solidified his ambition to pursue music on a global stage.

After moving to the United States at 14, June lived in Boston, New York City, and later Los Angeles, each city shaping his evolving artistry. He is known for his multilingual approach, singing in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Kriolu, and for blending Afro-Latin rhythms, alt-pop, R&B, and worldbeat. His debut album, 'Anchor Baby,' became a Cape Verdean classic, while '7 SEAS' and the 2025 release 'Casa Mira Mar' have further established him as a leading voice in the global Afro-diasporic music scene. June Freedom has garnered over 300 million streams, sold out shows across Europe and the US, and is recognized as the most listened-to Cape Verdean artist worldwide, surpassing legends like Cesária Évora and Nelson Freitas. His work is celebrated for expanding the reach of Afro sounds and for its deeply personal, borderless character.

Fun Facts

• June Freedom sings in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Kriolu, reflecting his multicultural upbringing.
• He was chosen to represent Cape Verde at a singing competition in Portugal at age 12 after performing a classic Morna song.
• His debut album 'Anchor Baby' is widely considered a Cape Verdean classic and won two Cabo Verde Music Awards.
• June Freedom has surpassed Cesária Évora and Nelson Freitas as the most listened-to Cape Verdean artist on streaming platforms as of 2023.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ildo Lobo - Cape Verdean Morna legend whose song 'Dor Di Nha Alma' June performed in his youth, shaping his early vocal style and connection to Cape Verdean musical heritage. ('Dor Di Nha Alma') [Childhood (age 12, early 2000s)]
• Jerry Wonda - Industry veteran who publicly supported June's commitment to blending American and Afro-Latin music forms. (General mentorship and industry support) [2020s]
• Akon - Endorsed June's first single, 'Dor d'um Kriolu', helping him gain international attention. ('Dor d'um Kriolu') [2021]

Key Collaborators

• Naïka - Featured vocalist on the song 'Messi', released through EMPIRE Records. ('Messi') [2023]
• Nana Fofie - Collaborator on the album 'Casa Mira Mar', contributing to June's exploration of diasporic sounds. ('Casa Mira Mar') [2025]
• Sabri - Collaborator on the album 'Casa Mira Mar', part of June's network of diaspora artists. ('Casa Mira Mar') [2025]
• Stacy Barthe - Industry collaborator and supporter, contributing to June's artistic development. (General collaboration/support) [2020s]
• Mally Mall - Industry collaborator and supporter, contributing to June's artistic development. (General collaboration/support) [2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging Cape Verdean and Afro-diasporic artists - June's global success and genre fusion inspire a new generation of Cape Verdean and Afro-fusion musicians to pursue multilingual, cross-genre music. (Notable influence on Cape Verdean music scene and diaspora artists) [2020s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. 𝘠𝘚𝘓 (Anchor Baby)
2. Collabo (Anchor Baby)
3. Fever (Anchor Baby (Deluxe))
4. Messi (7 SEAS)
5. Streets Don't Love You (Anchor Baby (Deluxe))
6. / BLES-oh / (Anchor Baby)
7. DORAMA
8. Preta (Anchor Baby)
9. Messi - Sunset Mix
10. Options

External Links

• Spotify