As a professional singer Melissa has been active for over 10 years. She has had the chance to work with various famous national and international artists. As their backing vocalist Melissa performed on stages all around the world. Melissa's music is a mix of warm Cape Verdean and Brazilian influences and a dash of jazz and neo soul. Her Cape Verdian roots brought her in contact with Boy Ge Mendes and Sara Tavares. She loves World Music and is especially drawn to artists that aren't afraid to mix up traditional music with contemporary styles. Melissa Fortes was born and raised in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. As the daughter of a Cape Verdean father and a Dutch mother she has been blessed with the beauty of being brought up in two different cultures. This is something that has influenced Melissa in her music and her theatre career. Music and theatre have always been her first love. That's why, in 2007, Melissa made a bold move to give up her ste...