Mozambique: Xidiminguana still singing at 85

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Mozambique: Xidiminguana still singing at 85

2:32 CAT | 23 Aug 2021

Screen grab: Ministério da Cultura e Turismo on Facebook

Talking with the guitar, in impromptus which make fun of everyday life, is a rare gift, and makes a special musician of Domingos Honwana, better known as Xidiminguana, who turned 85 years old on August 3.

This still today characterises the renowned Mozambican musician, born to peasant parents in Vuthu, Bilene district, Gaza province, in 1936. Xidiminguana, the former cattle herder, who destiny selected to become known as one of the greatest makers of music in the history of Mozambique.

The author of hits such as ‘Xikona’, ‘Nihlayisse’ and ‘Nikhome Nkata’, among others, he started in music in the late 1940s, playing a tin guitar, and still manages to prove that music is beyond age.

That’s how he revealed to society that he still holds in his heart the desire to step back onto the stage, a wish that, if realised, could be made in the company of the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Edelvina Materula.

The government official and professional colleague visited Xidiminguana’s home last Friday and delivered promise to be fulfilled as soon as the restrictions on the prevention of the new coronavirus pandemic are eased.

“Our next meeting will be on stage,” Minister Materula declared.

This decision was like a cure for the ills that, from time to time, intrude in the life of the music star, who was recently ill. “Now, I can even chase a thief,” Xidiminguana joked, by way of saying that he is getting better.

Not even poor health could erase the will to win which he brought to the former Lourenço Marques, now Maputo, in the 1960s, having, in addition to singing, worked at Ports and Railways of Mozambique until retirement in 1996.

That’s how he achieved 85 years of life characterised by a notable dedication to music. It is not by chance that Xidiminguana is one of the biggest names in the national musical scene. When talking about it, it is mandatory to mention him.

It is this recognition that last Friday led all steps to the Maxaquene C neighbourhood, where, in addition to the Minister of Culture and Tourism, journalists, musicians, and all music lovers passionate about the magic of Xidiminguana’s guitar made their way to his house.

The artist’s age is just a number, it was commonly agreed. “In addition to being of the Honwana family, he is also a public good, a star in Mozambique and Africa,” musician Félix Moya said on behalf of the family.

That’s why Xidiminguana took up the guitar and wrote his songs. He travelled through his childhood and that of his compatriots, made himself a son and a father and educated those who listened to him as if they were there to hear the advice that his music made a point of eternalising.

He even did what he’s known for doing: talking with the guitar. It is his way to do it using a glass bottle. His hands always tune into the strings of the instrument he’s most friends with in his life. Xidiminguana doesn’t play the guitar, he communicates with it.

He was known as a man of few words right up to when he started via the guitar and above all releasing the notes that reside in his soul. Singing, for the artist, is his way of being in the world.

It is in this sense that everyday life does not escape Xidiminguana’s hands and voice. He sings everyday stories with a strong dose of irony. It is this irony that the musician, that afternoon, wanted to show. And he did it.

It is for this and other reasons that the star of the acclaimed “old guard” was one of the artists distinguished at the Mozambique Music Awards (MMA 2010) and won the 2016 Ngoma Moçambique Career Award, organized by Rádio Moçambique (RM), with the album “Dlawanine”.

In 2015, Xidiminguana received the “Living Legend” award in South Africa during the Chitsonga Music Awards, and was honoured on several other occasions.

Buy Mozambican art – Minister

Minister of Culture and Tourism, Eldevina Materula, once again reiterated her position on the need to conserve and celebrate the work of Mozambican artists. For her, supporting the arts and culture is a priority and must be the business of all, whether institutions or individuals.

Materula voiced these considerations during her visit to Xidiminguana’s home in Maputo, where she acquired numerous CDs by the artist.

“This meeting is the result of several previous ones and we always promised to return here, when the musician was better. At the musician’s invitation, we are here to express our warmth in a joint action with our partners who support us and allow us to provide better days for Xidiminguana and other icons of our culture,” Materula said.

Xidiminguana said he was satisfied with the minister’s stalwart commitment, and that she was very present in his life.

This Friday’s meeting was an opportune moment for Materula to seek inspiration for the portfolio she directs, in taking the right measures to preserve the arts and enhance the value of its protagonists.

Musicians Félix Moya and Tabasily joined the minister on her visit.

Source: Noticias / Ministério da Cultura e Turismo