MOREIRA CHONGUIÇA JOINS ALL-STAR LINEUP FOR INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY GLOBAL CONCERT IN TANGIER, MOROCCO
Maputo, Mozambique – In a statement released in Paris and Washington, DC, on March 19, 2024 it was announced that the 2024 edition of International Jazz Day will be celebrated in more than 190 countries on April 30. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock are pleased to announce that the city of Tangier, Morocco will serve as the Global Host and will anchor the International Jazz Day programs around the world.
Presented in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of Morocco and the City of Tangier, the four-day celebration (April 27-30) will emphasize the city’s jazz heritage and highlight cultural and artistic ties between people in Morocco, Europe and Africa. A series of education programs will include events for students of all ages, a special presentation showcasing the significance of Morocco’s Gnawa music and its connection with jazz, and conversations about the history of jazz and its impact on Tangier, among others. A culminating All-Star Global Concert at the beautiful, new Palace of Arts and Culture of Tangier – an architectural masterpiece – will be broadcast via YouTube, Facebook, JazzDay.com, the United Nations and UNESCO to millions of viewers worldwide.
Music enthusiasts can look forward to legendary figures of jazz, blues and beyond electrifying the city of Tangier – and screens throughout the world. Led by iconic pianist Herbie Hancock and Musical Director John Beasley (USA), the All-Star Global Concert will feature performances by an international roster of artists from all corners of the globe, including master Gnawa musician Abdellah El Gourd (Morocco). Other confirmed artists include: Claudia Acuña (Chile), Ambrose Akinmusire (USA), Lakecia Benjamin (USA), Richard Bona (Cameroon), Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA), Moreira Chonguiça (Mozambique), Shemekia Copeland (USA), Kurt Elling (USA), Antonio Faraò (Italy), Melody Gardot (USA), Jazzmeia Horn (USA), JK Kim (Republic of Korea), Magnus Lindgren (Sweden), Romero Lubambo (Brazil), Marcus Miller (USA), Yasushi Nakamura (Japan), Tarek Yamani (Lebanon), and many more to be announced.
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, Tangier is known as a melting pot of cultural expressions. Tangier boasts a long, rich history of jazz. Among the world-renowned jazz artists who performed and spent time in Tangier were Josephine Baker, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Mann and Archie Shepp. For many years, jazz master Randy Weston lived in Tangier, where he collaborated with Gnawa master Abdellah El Gourd to explore the roots of jazz and African music. Gnawa-jazz, a fusion of Morocco’s traditional musical style and jazz, is appreciated across Morocco and far beyond. In the 1970s, Weston founded the African Jazz Festival, which became the inspiration for multiple jazz festivals throughout Morocco, including Tanjazz and Jazzablanca.
In addition to the Global Concert, UNESCO encourages schools, universities and non-governmental organizations around the world to celebrate International Jazz Day. Performing arts venues, community centers, town squares, parks, libraries, museums, restaurants, clubs and festivals organize thousands of activities, while public radio and television feature jazz on and around International Jazz Day.
Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every April 30. The annual International Jazz Day celebration highlights the power of jazz and its role in promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity and respect for human dignity.
International Jazz Day has become a global movement reaching more than 2 billion people annually on all continents through education programs, performances, community outreach, radio, television and streaming, along with electronic, print and social media. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the lead nonprofit organization charged with planning, promoting and producing International Jazz Day each year.
About UNESCO
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13,000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay. More information: http://www.unesco.org
Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz
The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz preserves, perpetuates and expands jazz as a global art form, and utilizes jazz as a means to unite people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. The Institute is a nonprofit education organization with a mission to offer the world’s most promising young musicians college level training by internationally acclaimed jazz masters and to present public school music education programs for young people around the world. More information: www.hancockinstitute.org
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For more information contact Lesley at info@moreiramusic.com
MOZAMBICAN SAXOPHONIST MOREIRA CHONGUIÇA
CHEVALEIR OF ARTS AND LETTERS OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC
During a ceremony held on February 13, 2024 in the presence of numerous personalities in the gardens of the French Residence in Maputo, the great Mozambican saxophonist Moreira Chonguiça was decorated with the insignia of Chavalier of Arts and Letters by Yann Pradeau, Ambassador of France to Mozambique.
Jazz saxophonist, author of eight albums, all award-winning, ethnomusicologist, composer, producer, influencer and philanthropist, Moreira Chonguiça is today one of the best representatives of innovative and original jazz in Africa.
An established and internationally recognized musician, Moreira Chonguiça has been able to promote Mozambican culture throughout the world.
He is also a committed artist who has put his talents at the service of numerous causes, in Mozambique and abroad, such as the promotion of education, the fight against AIDS, or even, for several years, development cultural in the province of Cabo Delgado.
Moreira Chonguiça is the latest Mozambican artist to be decorated by France with the Order of Arts and Letters, after, in particular, the painter, sculptor and poet Malangata Valente Ngwenha, the journalist-photographer Ricardo Rangel, the writer and journalist Mia Couto, singer and songwriter Elisa Domingas Jamisse (Mingas) and recently Quito Tembe, artistic director and founder of the Kinaniinternational dance festival.
The official ceremony was followed by a major concert attended by around 200 personalities from the world of culture in Mozambique.
About the Order of Arts and Letters
The Order of Arts and Letters was created in France in 1957. It is intended to reward people who have distinguished themselves by their creations in the artistic or literary field or by the contribution to the influence that they have made to the influence of Arts and Letters in France and around the world. It is awarded by the French Minister of Culture and rewards an artist for their entire career.
Moreira Chonguiça’s “Sounds of Peace” album earns prestigious nomination for South African Music Award on the eve of Mozambique’s Peace and Reconciliation Day
[Maputo, 3 October 2023] – In a remarkable tribute to the power of music to heal, unite, and inspire, internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist and composer Moreira Chonguiça is delighted to announce that his groundbreaking album, “Sounds of Peace,” has received a nomination for a South African Music Award (SAMA) in the category of ‘Rest of Africa Award’. The nomination announcement was held in Soweto, Johannesburg earlier today.
On the eve of Mozambique’s Peace and Reconciliation Day, the album is a testament to Chonguiça’s exceptional talent as a musician and composer and his dedication to promoting peace and reconciliation through his artistry as well as his commitment to using music as a bridge to peace and understanding
Peace and Reconciliation Day, observed on 4 October, marks an important milestone in Mozambique’s history, symbolizing the nation’s journey towards healing and unity after years of conflict. Moreira Chonguiça’s nomination for a SAMA on the eve of this significant day underscores the role that music can play in fostering peace and reconciliation.
Reflecting on the nomination, Moreira Chonguiça shared his thoughts: “I am deeply honored and humbled by this nomination, especially on a day as meaningful as Peace and Reconciliation Day. ‘Sounds of Peace’ was created with the hope of healing wounds, exploring diversity and bringing people together through the universal language of music. This recognition reinforces our commitment to using art to promote peace, reconciliation, and unity in Mozambique and beyond.”
“Sounds of Peace” is a masterful collection of compositions that blend jazz with Mozambican rhythms, creating a harmonious fusion that transcends borders and resonates with audiences around the world.
The South African Music Awards (SAMA) is an esteemed platform that has, for the past 29 years, celebrated outstanding achievements in the South African music industry across various genres. Moreira Chonguiça’s has previously won a South African Music Award as Best Producer in 2005 for his album Vol 1: The Journey and Best Contemporary Jazz Album and Best Album cover in 2009 for Vol 2: Citizen of the World.
This latest nomination in the “Rest of Africa” category alongside Ckay (Nigeria), Davido (Nigeria), Sha Sha (Zimbabwe), Tim Lyre (Nigeria) and Ferra Gola (DRC) is a reflection of his exceptional talent and the positive impact of his music on the continent.
As Mozambique and the world continue to strive for peace and reconciliation, Moreira Chonguiça remains committed to using his music to promote unity, understanding, and healing.
Moreira Chonguiça wins the award for “Best International Jazz Album/Artist” at South Africa’s Mzantsi awards
Moreira Chonguiça won the “Best International Jazz Album/Artist” award at the 7th Edition of the Mzantsi Awards that took place last night, August 26, 2023, at the Soweto Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Moreira Chonguiça competed with his album “SOUNDS OF PEACE” alongside albums by American drummer Makaya McCraven; Kokoroko, a UK Jazz/Afrobeat group; and Joshua Redman’s quartet which includes Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride and Brian Blade .
It should be noted that the album “SOUNDS OF PEACE” was released in November 2022.
I take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed and collaborated to promote and vote for the album. Thank you very much.
Khanimambo!
#vamosvencer #inculturewetrust🎷🌍 #nossotempoéagora💫
Moreira Chonguiça performs at the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne for the 19 th European Museum Night in Nantes, France
Moreira Chonguiça is performing at the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne tonight Saturday 13 May 2023 for the 19th European Museum Night which is an event that takes place in more than 3,000 museums, and in nearly 30 European countries!
On this occasion, the museums open their doors free of charge in the evening and offer various activities. It is a unique opportunity for the public to discover the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions showcased.
Through music and sound, Moreira interprets one of the installations of world renown Cameroonian visual artist Barthélémy Toguo which are part of his exhibition EXPRESSION (S) DECOLONIALE (S) #3 bringing another dimension to the exhibition.
The exhibition is being held at the Musée d’histoire de Nantes at Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes, France from 13 May – 12 November 2023.
The opening of this exhibition coincides with the annual Commemoration of the Abolishment of Slavery.
At this time in our history, when we are re-thinking our history with humanity, this collection is a connected story, a narrative questioning the imposition of colonialism.
The exhibition is curated integrating elements of the works of Barthélémy Toguo and his guest artists, Monica Toiliye, Jean-François Boclé, Rosana Paulino, and Kara Walker.
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Moreira Chonguiça joins world-renown Cameroonian visual artist Barthélémy Toguo for his exhibition opening in Nantes, France
Moreira Chonguiça joins Cameroonian visual artist Barthélémy Toguo at the opening of his exhibition EXPRESSION (S) DECOLONIALE (S) #3 to interpret his installation through music and sounds.
The exhibition is being held at the Musée d’histoire de Nantes at Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes, France from 13 May – 12 November 2023.
The opening of this exhibition coincides with the annual Commemoration of the Abolishment of Slavery.
At this time in our history, when we are re-thinking our history with humanity, this collection is a connected story, a narrative questioning the imposition of colonialism.
The exhibition is curated integrating elements of the works of Barthélémy Toguo and his guest artists, Monica Toiliye, Jean-François Boclé, Rosana Paulino, and Kara Walker.
Moreira will interpret the installation of Barthélémy Toguo entitled ‘Vaincre Le Virus’ VI, XIII, XVII (Overcoming the Ebola virus) during the opening days.
MOREIRA CHONGUIÇA ‘SOUNDS OF PEACE’ (MORESTAR ENTERTAINMENT) – A REVIEW
April 19, 2023
Words by John Armstrong
MOZAMBIQUE IN THE HOUSE – FROM POP TO HOP TO JAZZ AND BEYOND…
Being a smallish country squeezed onto the coast and having contiguities with South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia Malawi and Zimbabwe certainly has its advantages musically, and Mozambique’s wide and diverse musical talent never lets those opportunities go to waste.
First off, Moz music is very different from West Africa’s lusophone music: Angola, Guinee- Bissau, Cabo Verde and Sao Tome and Principe all draw strongly upon Soukouss – and Zouk-style production techniques (Cabo Verdean keyboardist Manu Lima can safely be said to be one of the most significant innovators in Cabo Love, Zouk Love and modern dance floor Coladeira, as well as Semba and Kizomba studio production technique in Paris, Lisbon and Luanda).
Mozambique’s best-known musical export is undoubtedly Marrabenta, dance music that grew from the decolonization struggles of the 70s and early 80s, but that was just the public face of a much deeper and more varied music scene in Maputo and elsewhere.
Mozambique’s musical history has always been closely influenced and inspired by the many diverse peoples of the area. To take just one example, the Shangaan people, whose home is on the borders of Zimbabwe and South Africa as well as Mozambique, virtually re-wrote the history of Southern African pop and disco in the 80s with the pan -Mzansi hits of solo artists such as Paul Ndlovu and Peta Teanet, as well as the more traditional ‘groaner/female chorus’ village acts such as Obedi Ngobeni and The Kurhula Sisters (shameless self-promotion time: classic rarities from Paul Ndlovu and Obed Ngobeni are featured on ‘Yebo!’, my forthcoming BBE Records compilation of 80s Mzansi boogie, disco and bubblegum hits).
With the advent of the 2000s, the ‘big noise’ was Pandza; think ragga-meets-reggaeton with an infusion of Brazilian samba-funk pioneered by artists such as Ziqo, M.C.Roger, Lizha James and others. Out of Pandza developed Moz hip hop, with massively popular rappers such as Laylizzy and the late Azagaia, whose criticisms in song of the Mozambican government led to countrywide marches right across the country honouring his passing this year.
On the popular song side today are some truly beautiful gospel- tinged artists: Marlenn, Liloca, Killua Rafael, Eva RapDiva, among many others, Marlenn even extending the Mozambique Gospel style into South African Amapiano territory in the last year or so.
Recorded partly in South Africa and partly in Maputo, I’d be very surprised (but delighted) if there’s a better Southern African jazz set in 2023 (it was released in November 2022 but it’s taken us a bit of time!). Saxophonist/pianist/composer/arranger Moreira has put together a 13-tracker that has it all: touches of Cape Jazz, trad Shangaan, Makonde influences from the north and the Tanzanian border, Chuwabu airs and melodies from the central coastal region. The mighty Onesia Muholove, Preza Uofino and Moreira’s daughter Kinaya and several others share vocals throughout. There are post-bop modal vibes rubbing shoulders with Gauteng-esque township riffing, a Kitsonga Hosi stomp-dance cut made for the dancefloor – ‘Hosi / King’ and even a quiet nod toward Afro-Cuban jazz-funk – ‘Songo’.
And – DJs and radio producers please note – the production sound ROCKS throughout!
Moreira’s Morejazz Series festival has been an ongoing annual success since 2012, and if you’re lucky enough to be around Nantes, France on May 12th, Chonguica’s band will be providing the musical element in the Decolonial Expressions festival..
Songlines magazine reviews SOUNDS OF PEACE
SONGLINES March 2023 edition #185 – AFRICA REVIEWS – UK’s leading music publication on global music
Moreira Chonguiça
Sounds of Peace
Morestar Entertainment (68 mins)
****
Mozambican saxophonist returns in style
The revered Manu Dibango died three years after making M&M in 2017 with the Mozambican saxophonist, Moreira Chonguiça. Echoes of the ‘Lion of Africa’ remain in Chonguiça’s eighth album and first release since that delightful collaboration (reviewed in #130) in its easy feel and the timbre of the alto sax playing. Despite fame in his native Mozambique, the saxophonist never showboats, but employs his talents to colour the music in the way Wayne Shorter did for Weather Report.
If anything it’s a showcase for his four young backing musicians (on keyboards, bass, drums and percussion). It was, he suggests, ‘an…emotional recording for me as some of the musicians have never been involved with a recording of this nature before’
Whether on alto or soprano sax, the leader helms his quintet with quiet authority to achieve the kind of funky fluency that one associates with Hugh Masekela and the Crusaders at their loosest. Flavoured throughout with solo or choral voices, this album celebrates regional diversity and cultural multiplicity; life itself. All 13 tracks offer something appreciably different while adding up to a coherent whole that is quietly but wickedly funky.
MARK SAMPSON
TRACK TO TRY Kwetu Kwa Sidudu (Land of Cassava)
Moreira Chonguiça releases his highly anticipated new album – SOUNDS OF PEACE
Jazzman Moreira Chonguiça’s eagerly anticipated eighth album, Sounds of Peace comes five years after the release of the acclaimed album with the Lion of Africa, Manu Dibango, M & M.
Exploring influences from his Mozambican heritage, infused with personal experiences from the past few years, this is a thought-provoking, reflective and introspective album.
Inspired by the rich diversity of the multitude of languages and tribes that make up Mozambique’s cultural landscape, Moreira has used vocal melodies, rhythms and instruments on a number of the songs sung in a variety of different languages; for example, track 1 “Orera Khurera”, is from the province of Nampula sung in the Makhuwa language which is spoken by nearly 6 million Mozambicans who live in the Cabo Delgado, Niassa and Zambézia provinces. Track 2, “Myadi vya Imumu” and track 7 “Kwetu kwa Sidudu” is sung in Makonde, the language of the people of Cabo Delgado province. Track 4 “Ndzakurhandza”, 5 “Mamana wanga, track 6 “Hosi” and track 12 “Nghwazi” are performed in Changana, which is a language from the Tsonga group (which is from the Ronga, Ndwazi, Shona, Citshwa and Copi tribes) and Nguni (which is from Swazi, Zulu and Xhosa tribes)
This album is about celebrating diversity, differences and similarities amongst African people with the multiplicity of influence that came from the Arabs, the Asians, the Portuguese, and other Europeans. It is about celebrating life with urgency. It is about peace, collaboration and the importance of mental health, all relevant issues in the turbulent times in which we live. The past few years will forever be etched into our memories for its strangeness and this album subtly tries to make sense of this strange period in our history that caused the whole world to halt and breathe simultaneously.
“I want to show young people, to share with young people, who make up a significant part of the world’s population, that there are no boundaries in culture no matter what race you are, what country you are from, what matters is that we need to share, we need to create space and silence to achieve things over which we have no control” Moreira shares.
Moreira recorded this album in its entirety in Mozambique using young upcoming musicians some who came through from his own project, the Morejazz Big Band that was launched eight years ago. It was a collective moment for these young people to dig deep within and express it musically. “This was an extraordinary and emotional recording for me as some of the musicians had never been involved with a recording of this nature before” Moreira asserts.
The album was recorded with the assistance of the SAMRO Music Creation Support Fund and Água vengo. It was mixed and mastered by Murray Anderson at Milestone Studios, in Cape Town, South Africa
The new album will be available digitally on Friday 4 November on all major streaming platforms and Bandcamp.
It will be launched officially in Mozambique during November as well as on Friday 25 November at South Africa’s biggest jazz festival, Joy of Jazz at Sandton Convention Centre on the Dineledi stage.
Concert details will be available on Moreira’s website in the weeks ahead.
About Moreira Chonguiça
Mozambican jazz-saxophonist, composer, and producer, Moreira Chonguiça is feted as one of the finest exponents of innovative and original jazz from Africa.
As an independent artist with seven award-winning, globally informed, and celebrated albums – he is blazing a trail from his east-African roots to the world. He has a new album due for release in November that explores the traditional influences of Mozambique with jazz.
Moreira’s energetic contemporary rhythmic compositions have garnered applauses across all six continents, exposed to and inspired by Miles Davis, Fela Kuti, Percy Sledge and Manu Dibango.
His unique sound, technical agility and ingenuity on the alto and soprano saxophone, coupled with passionate stage performance captivates audiences universally.
Moreira’s passion and drive to promote Mozambican culture and lifestyle through jazz has seen the production of his Morejazz Series festival since 2012 and the formation of the Morejazz Big Band in 2014 become permanent fixtures on the jazz landscape of Mozambique.
Music discography
2006 – The Moreira Project: Vol 1 – The Journey
2009 – The Moreira Project: Vol 2 – Citizen of the World
2011- Khanimambo: Moreira Chonguiça pays tribute to the legends of Mozambique
2013 – MP Reloaded
2014 – Sensasons (not commercially released)
2015 – Moreira Chonguiça live at the Polana Serena Hotel
2017 – M & M: Moreira Chonguiça and Manu Dibango
Influences
Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Fela Kuti, Manu Dibango, Mirian Makeba, Prof. Orlando de Conceicão, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Samora Machel…
Style
Energetic, contemporary, limitless music defined by Moreira’s personality, culture and people .
Contact details
Lesley Wells +27837028139
EPK links – https://www.dropbox.com/s/8fj4boymlue8v2c/ELECTRONIC%20PRESS%20KIT.pdf?dl=0
Social media links
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Music
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International Jazz Day 2022 celebrations
This year I had the privilege of celebrating International Jazz Day in a number of different ways.
We started on Thursday 28th April at the Central Hospital in Maputo where we played for doctors and staff and then went into the wards and played for the patients too. It was an extremely uplifting experience and I am grateful to the hospital for allowing us to be be there.
On the Saturday 30th April we drove a short while outside of Maputo to the Military base and had a wonderful few hours with our military friends and troops who keep us safe on a daily basis.
Later that night we performed for the most wonderful crowd at CCFM!
It was a memorable and fulfilling few days celebrating jazz music’s influence in promoting peace and intercultural dialogue #unesco .
Moreira Chonguica 