Huambo - Musician Justino Handanga died on Monday in the Province of Luanda from an illness, ANGOP learnt.
The 56-year old artist's death was confirmed by an official source.
Justino Handanga, a name that needs no introduction on the national music field, with a vast repertoire and several hits, was born on 1 January 1969, in the village of Ndoluka, Luvemba commune, Bailundo municipality of the central Huambo Province.
He has two albums on the music market, namely "Ondjonguele Ya Telisiwã", released in 2004, and the second entitled "Homenagem ao empresário Valentim Amões", released in 2011.
In 2005 he took part in the 15th edition of Angola's national radio station music contest named “Top dos Mais Queridos”, coming 3rd with the well-known song "Paulina" and in 2006 he came 5th, sharing the same stage with the late musician Bangão.
Justino Handanga, a popular musician, began his musical career in the 1980s, after losing his parents, at the age of five, by taking part in a competition called "Pio-Pio", held on Sundays by the Agostinho Neto Pioneers Organisation (OPA) in the municipality of Bailundo, where he imitated national and international musicians.
At the age of 17, Justino Handanga, one of the “heavyweights” of the national music scene, joined the former People's Armed Forces of Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) and was part of a musical group called "Pela Paz".
The author of hits such as "Ndumbalundo", "Olonamba", "Tenho saudades", "Paulina", "Carlito" and "Abíli”, joined in the National Police forces in October 10, 1992, after having served the country through FAPLA.
ALH/MRA/jmc
