Born in Santana (Interior of Santiago), but bred on the streets of Achada Santo Antonio, Cape Verde, Chandinho Semedo, better known as Chandinho Dog Dédé, immigrated to the United States in July of 1986. He first entered the world of entertainment as hip-hop dancer and later as a DJ.
He became a singer possibly as a gesture of defiance towards those who underestimated his ability. After attaining musical instruments and under the tutelage of musician Duka, Chandinho quickly mastered his craft and developed his own unique style. Finally in 1995, he released his first studio album Baby Yella.
Though this album did not reach the success he had hoped, partially because he was not known as a singer, Chandinho persevered. The following year, he teamed up with musician/producer Kim Alves and recorded Dog, which became a surprise hit record, setting sales records in Capeverdean communities worldwide.
Chandinhos astounding success was his ability to mix his hip-hop influences with Zouk, reinforced by hard-hitting beats and some bitter and harsh x-rated lyrics. The club popper Baby Yella became the most played and the most requested song on the airwaves and nightclubs.
While maintaining the same style and state of mind, Chandinho was able to remain one of the most consistent singers of this genre, releasing albums such as Sabi mé in 1997, Dog 2 in 1998, Dog 3 in 2000, Midnight Love in 2001, and Ben Li in 2003.
A decade following the release of Dog, Chandinho releases Doggy Familia, a well-produced album, which outdoes everything he has recorded to date and demonstrates his versatility as he plays the role of singer, musician, composer, songwriter, and producer.
To give this record a distinctive feel, Chandinho invited Eduino, the crafty frontman of the band Ferro Gaita. Eduino assisted him with arrangements and lyrics and also plugged in his accordion and voice in a few tracks. Besides the usual Zouk Love and Funana, he experiments with the Haitian Kompa.
Before releasing a new record, Chandinho plans to expand his venture, gearing more towards people involved in the production of music.
