The Cape Verdean Mario Lucio is the latest one to give in to get a ministerial portfolio. The founder of the musical group Simentera, who is also an essayist, was supposed to perform live at the New Morning on March 31. He canceled his tour to accept the position of Minister of Culture of Cape Verde. The art world is very often hostile to the world of politicians whose they often describe as "smooth-talkers" far from the reality of citizens. But Lucio's example is not the only one. The Brazilian Gilberto Gil was one of the most striking ministers. His political career in Brasilia lasted longer than expected. Critics had predicted that Gilberto Gil as Minister would last only a few months (his salary was much less compared to his earnings as a musician).

He served the Lula government for five years. He was then harshly called to order by politicians for mixing genres and his musical performances. But his spell in the Ministry turned out to be very positive for the ratings of the artist which decidedly increased the amount of his fee within a few years. Another famous musician is the salsa singer Rubén Blades known worldwide for his hit song "Pedro Navaja". He ran in the Panamanian presidential elections in 1994 and later accepted an appointment as Minister of Tourism, a position quite removed from his artistic career. Rubén has gotten quite a bit of attention for his social writings and his commitment among the weakest members of society. Lastly Aurelio Martinez, a singer of Garifuna music, was the first black person to serve as a deputy in the National Congress of Honduras until January 2010. But politics often leaves a bitter memory. "One enters into politics with dreams. But soon we realize that we must have the endorsement of the sponsor or one of the dinosaurs of politics in order to produce results".

H.M

Photo Mario Lucio