Businessman José Luís Tavares, the senior associate in the newly formed INCO group, confirmed today that he has been in contact with the manager of Colombian singer Shakira regarding a possible performance in the Santa Maria music festival, which takes place on the island of Sal in September.

Also announced is the donation of 200-megawatt sound equipment to the municipality of Sal. This year’s edition of the festival will mark the first public utilization of the equipment.

INCO will be the Sal municipal chamber’s main partner in the organization of the 2006 edition of the Santa Maria music festival, helping to finance the participation of major-name artists in the event. One of these artists could be world-famous pop star Shakira, with whose manager Tavares claims to have been in contact.

Tavares told Cape Verdean National Radio RCV that he was waiting for confirmation from the artist’s manager, due to the singer’s intense touring schedule. According to Tavares, a definite response will be had by next week.

The possible participation of Carlos Santana was also confirmed by the businessman, who affirmed, however, that negotiations in this respect were not related to the Santa Maria festival. If a contract is signed, Santana would come to Cape Verde in December alongside another renowned musician, flamenco guitar master Paco de Lucia, for concerts on the islands of São Vicente, Sal and Santiago.

For the time being, Santa Maria festival organizers have already confirmed the presence of the Gipsy Kings, who performed on the islands of São Vicente and Sal in July. Tavares also announced that three shipping containers full of sound equipment have arrived in Cape Verde and will be donated to the Sal municipal chamber for the festival and other events.