‘Women Here and Now’ at the Brazil-Mozambique Cultural Centre in Maputo
DEAL Music Sessions with Wazimbo live
3:24 CAT | 11 July 2019
DEAL Music Sessions with Wazimbo live
Date and Time: Friday, July 12 2019 at 18h00
Entrance: Free
Address: DEAL espaço criativo, Rua Jose Mateus no. 265, Maputo
About Wazimbo
Humberto Carlos Benfica, known as Wazimbo (born November 11, 1948), is one of the greatest voices of Mozambique and one of the most famous marrabenta singers. Born in Chibuto, in Gaza Province, Mozambique he moved to the capital Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) where he grew up in the popular neighborhood Mafalala. There he started as a vocal member for the local group "Silverstars" and then "Geiziers". Later, he joined Orchestra Marrabenta Star de Moçambique.
In 1972 he signed his first contract as a professional singer and moved for two years to Angola. In 1974, he returned to Mozambique and was actively in the African Music Association. After Independence, Wazimbo worked with the big band of the national radio station, Radio Mocambique (RM). He became the lead vocalist of Orchestra Marrabenta Star de Moçambique in 1979 and worked with various members from RM's big band. Led by Wazimbo, Orchestra Marrabenta Star de Moçambique developed a full and funky style of marrabenta featuring electric guitars, powerful horn lines and soulful vocals.
After becoming extremely popular at home in Mozambique, they toured in Europe and released two CDs on Germany's Piranha record label. Both showcased a varied mix of dance styles plus the occasional, strikingly soulful ballad. The 1990s saw a return to peace in Mozambique, but by then there were no recording studios or music venues, and the group finally disbanded in 1995.
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