Mozambique: Return colonial era art only when African museums can keep it - artist
Photo: Matilde Muocha/Facebook
Mozambique concluded its participation in Expo Osaka 2025 in grand style, with a performance by several national artists who moved hundreds of attendees at the event. It was an opportunity for the country to showcase its identity, with the timbila performance being the one that most captivated the foreign audience.
Brilliant! Seductive! Moving! Vibrant! It was, indeed, in great style that the country celebrated , on Monday, 6 October, its participation in Expo Osaka 2025.
There was no better way to end than with a multidisciplinary show entitled “Roots of the Future: Mozambique between Memory and Machine”, taking the audience on a journey through tradition and innovation.
The production was superbly directed by the renowned David Abílio, as artistic director, and Pérola Jaime, responsible for choreography.
It was a moment of empathy between the artists and the public, who were thrilled from the first to the last minute of the performance.
On stage were Xixel Langa, Radja Ali, António Marcos, Sick Brain, May Mbira, Lucrécia Paco, Alvim Cossa and Matchume Zango.
Moreover, the timbila performance drove the audience wild, showcasing the cultural diversity of Mozambique.
“It was moving to feel the rhythm, dance and sing with the energy of the Mozambican artists, particularly the young people representing their culture. They transmitted energy and experience to our youth. I hope this culture is preserved and shared with the entire world,” said Japanese citizen Iwee Kanako.
Another person delighted by the Mozambican performance was Eku Tukuda, who praised the artists’ presence and expression.
“Living with the Mozambicans over the past six months was wonderful, because it was an opportunity to better understand their culture. I hope this becomes a door to eternal friendship.”
Speaking about the timbila, whose sounds captivated the audience, artist Matchume Zango said at the end of the performance that the time had come for changes in cultural policies.
For her part, the Secretary of State for Culture, Matilde Maoche, gave a summary of the country’s participation, highlighting, in particular, the opening of opportunities for the international marketing of timbila.
READ: Japan wraps up unexpectedly successful World Expo
Over the past six months, Mozambique has showcased its potential, illustrating the nation’s wealth — from arable land to mineral resources, energy, fisheries, agricultural potential, tourism, culture, social projects, and other sectors and areas.
Likewise, techniques and solutions that have been used to address local problems were also presented.
Through this participation, Mozambique had the opportunity to present its image to the world and establish partnerships that may bring benefits to the national economy.
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