gnration open day: bonga

In 1966, a young Angolan track and field record-holder arrived in Portugal. A star athlete, he used the rare freedom of movement granted by the fascist Estado Novo regime to support Angolan independence under the name Bonga Kuenda. In 1972, when the PIDE realised what was going on, he was forced into exile in the Netherlands, where he recorded his first album, Angola 72. His semba music quickly became a rallying cry against Portuguese colonialism and against the discrimination and marginalisation of Angolan culture. More than 50 years later, at the age of 83 and with over 400 songs to his name, Bonga continues to bring the essence of his country’s traditional music to stages around the world. We could write pages and pages about this living legend of music, but in short, Bonga is Bonga.

supported by portuguese republic – culture, youth and sports / general direction of the arts. portuguese contemporary art network (rpac). rtcp – network of portuguese theaters and cinemas.