Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A good place to get information on traditional dance performances are the casas de cul-
tura (cultural centres), found in every provincial capital.
Literature
During the colonial era, local literature generally focused on nationalist themes. Two of
the most famous poets of this period were Rui de Noronha and Noémia de Sousa.
In the late 1940s José Craveirinha (1922-2003) began to write poetry focusing on the
social reality of the Mozambican people and calling for resistance and rebellion, which
eventually led to his arrest. Today, he is honoured as Mozambique's greatest poet, and his
work, including 'Poem of the Future Citizen,' is recognised worldwide.
As the armed independence struggle gained strength, Frelimo freedom fighters began to
write poems reflecting their life in the forest, their marches and the ambushes. One of the
finest of these guerrilla poets was Marcelino dos Santos.
With Mozambican independence in 1975, writers and poets felt able to produce literat-
ure without interference. This new-found freedom was soon shattered by Frelimo's war
against the Renamo rebels, but new writers emerged, including the internationally ac-
claimed Mia Couto, whose works include Voices Made Night and The Last Flight of the
Flamingo . Contemporary female writers include Lilia Momple ( The Eyes of the Green
Cobra ) and Paulina Chiziane ( Niketche - A Story of Polygamy ).
Music
The timbila orchestras of the Chopi people in southern Mozambique ( Click here ) are one
of the country's best-known musical traditions.
Modern music flourishes in the cities and the live music scene in Maputo is excellent.
Marrabenta is considered Mozambique's national music. It developed in the 1950s in the
suburbs of Maputo (then Lourenço Marques) and has a light, upbeat style and distinctive
beat inspired by the traditional rural majika rhythms of Gaza and Maputo provinces. It is
often accompanied by a dance of the same name.
Sculpture & Painting
Mozambique is known for its woodcarvings, particularly for the sandalwood carvings
found in the south and the ebony carvings of the Makonde.
The country's most famous painter is Malangatana Valente Ngwenya - universally
known as Malangatana - whose style is characterised by dramatic figures and flamboyant
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