BAZOFO & DENTU ZONA
FROM COVA DA MOURA TO THE WORLD – NU BAI KA NU PARA!
BAZOFO
Bazofo is a sustainable clothing brand from Cova da Moura, the largest Cape Verdean community in Portugal. In Cape Verdean language Bazofo means someone with style and attitude. But being bazofo isn't just about style and fashion. It's also part of our culture; it's a way of celebrating and affirming our identity.
SCREEN PRINTING
Dentu Zona studio is a screen printing studio located in Cova da Moura, focusing on sustainability. It's where I print Bazofo products and do screen printing work for clients. I also conduct individual and group screen printing workshops in Cova da Moura, and in schools, events, associations, and other venues.
Victor Sanches
I was born and raised in Cova da Moura, but I emigrated early. In London, I always missed home: speaking Cape Verdean language, listening to funaná music, walking through the alleyways, and watching the kids playing in the street.
I decided to move back, but I couldn't find work. I wanted to create a space where everyone felt welcome, and where there was always time and space to exchange ideas, browse books, and listen to music.
I opened my small shop in June 2015, but I felt I could do even more in terms of work and for the neighborhood where I was born. That's how Bazofo was born in 2016. Now the Bazofo brand is part of the Dentu Zona project, which also includes a screen printing studio, markets and other activities.
Although I represent Bazofo and Dentu Zona, I never work alone. The project is based on the principle of "Djunta Mô," which literally means "joining hands" and is a Cape Verdean concept of mutual support – together we are stronger.
