ANANÉ VEGA | THE LIONESS PIONEERING AFRO HOUSE MUSIC

ANANÉ VEGA | THE LIONESS PIONEERING AFRO HOUSE MUSIC

Born in Praia, the capital city of Cape Verde, to a Portuguese father and a Cape Verdean mother, Anané Vega’s journey is a one of resilience, creativity, and innovation in the face of adversity. During the struggle for Cape Verde’s independence from Portugal, her family faced significant threats due to their Portuguese ties, forcing them to relocate first to Portugal and then to the United States in search of safety and better opportunities​​​​.

Growing up in a foreign land, Anané grappled with her mixed heritage and the traditional expectations imposed upon her as a woman. Despite these challenges, she nurtured her dreams and ambitions, leveraging her work ethic to explore her interests in music and dance. Her ventures into New York City, funded by her earnings from factory work and waitressing, opened doors to opportunities that would shape her future. Her auditions and participation in pageants, where she represented the United States as both Miss Cape Verde and Miss Portugal, further expanded her horizons​​​​.


Anané’s eventual move to New York City marked the beginning of her remarkable journey in the music industry. Discovered by Click Model Agency, she immersed herself in dance and theater studies, an experience that not only honed her performance skills but also deepened her appreciation for the arts. This period of exploration and learning led her to meet her future husband and acclaimed DJ, Louie Vega, a pivotal moment that catalyzed her attention towards the exploration of her artistic gifts. It was during this transformative time that Anané began to explore her voice as a singer/songwriter, delving into the depths of her musical identity and creative expression.

Photo: Ibiza Spotlight

Her journey didn’t stop there; Anané discovered her taste and gift for deejaying, an extension of her innate ear for music that seamlessly blended with her dynamic stage presence. This newfound passion propelled her into the world of deejaying, where she quickly made a name for herself with her eclectic and vibrant sets. Her keen ear for music and ability to curate unforgettable musical experiences led her further down the path of the music industry, eventually becoming the label owner and A&R of N.U.L.U Music (Nothing Ultimately Leaves Us). In this role, she showcased her ability to identify and nurture talent, bringing new sounds and artists to the forefront of the Afro House and Afro Tech scene. This blend, coupled with her ability to sing and dance to the music she played, quickly garnered attention and led to her performing around the world to crowds of thousands​​.

Anané has also achieved significant milestones, such as singing the opening song “One Dream” at Super Bowl XLI with the Elements of Life group and performing at the President Obama’s Ambassadors Ball. Her global appeal was further solidified by an invitation to perform at an African National Congress event in front of 10,000 kids, where she promoted her message of female empowerment​​.

Her latest project, “Take A Ride” EP, produced with Two Soul Fusion (Louie Vega and Josh Milan), showcases her genre-defying musical journey and artistic vision. The EP features a blend of Punk Disco, Jazz Funk, and Italo-Disco, demonstrating Anané’s commitment to exploring and fusing diverse musical influences. It’s a reflection of her artistic philosophy that music is more than personal expression; it’s a tool for inspiring, creating, and molding the world around her​​.

Anané Vega’s story is a compelling narrative of overcoming cultural and societal barriers to become a leading figure in Afro House music. Her contributions as a vocalist, DJ, producer, and label owner have significantly influenced the genre, making her an indispensable figure in its global recognition and development.


Madam Vega’s journey through the Afro House music scene has been marked not only by her musical prowess but also by her ability to blend glamour with her unique sound. Anané became the first Afro House female DJ to be endorsed by a major cosmetic line, Wycon Cosmetics. Her sense of glamour, elegance and aesthetic connected her to internationally renowned designer like Roberto Cavalli (featured on her song ‘Love To Love You Babe’) or Dean & Dan Caten (DSQUARED, who regularly attend her and Louie’s ‘The Rituals‘ events around the world) highlighted her influence beyond the music, merging the worlds of beauty and beats in a way that the scene had not previously embraced.

Anané’s contributions go beyond her music; she has significantly influenced the aesthetic and presentation of Afro House, incorporating elements of high fashion that helped elevate the genre itself, presenting it in a light that commands respect and admiration from a broader audience.

Anané’s pioneering work transcends musical boundaries, and invites a broader audience to engage with Afro House not just as a genre of music but as a lifestyle. As such, she truly deserves her flowers for her contributions to music, fashion, and culture. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for artists and DJs, proving that it’s possible to successfully navigate and integrate different creative worlds with excellence.