Hip Deep Angola Part 1: Music and Nation in Luanda

About this episode

The episode explores the role of music in shaping Angolan identity during the struggle for independence from colonial rule.

We explore the role music played in the creation of a uniquely Angolan consciousness as the country struggled toward independence in the 1960s and ‘70s after centuries of colonialism. Our guides will be producer Ned Sublette, on the ground in Angola, and Dr. Marissa Moorman, historian of southern Africa, and author of Intonations: A Social History of Music in Luanda, Angola from 1945 to Recent Times. We’ll hear the pathbreaking group Ngola Ritmos, who dared sing songs in Kimbundu publicly when it was prohibited by the Portuguese. We’ll hear immortal voices from the age when the guitar-driven style called semba ruled, as well as some snazzy ‘60s guitar instrumentals. Produced by Ned Sublette APWW #647

People in this episode

Guests: Ned Sublette, Dr. Marissa Moorman

Topics covered

• Angolan music
• independence
• colonialism
• cultural identity
• history of music

Keywords

• Angola
• music
• independence
• Ngola Ritmos
• Kimbundu
• semba
• Ned Sublette
• Dr. Marissa Moorman

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ngola Ritmos

Books & works: Intonations: A Social History of Music in Luanda, Angola from 1945 to Recent Times

Places: Angola, Luanda

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