Ramiros – The Angolan musician António Miguel Francisco “Calabeto” on Thursday, in Luanda, defended the semba musical style as a uniting factor that must be preserved and immortalized.
According to Calabeto, who is also a songwriter, semba contributes to keeping the collective and cultural memory of Angolans alive.
In an interview with ANGOP, regarding the state of semba in recent years, Calabeto spoke of the importance of showing more television and radio programs bringing stories on the history of the style.
To him, this style is part of Angolan roots and, therefore, must be disseminated based on its essence, in order to preserve it.
“Semba represents cultural exaltation and its rhythmic base is characterized by traditional musical instruments, such as dikanza (scraper), tumbas (bogo drums), guitar, among others, and should not be confused with other musical rhythms”, he explained.
In this sense, the musician also defended a greater commitment from artists in the musical style so that it can continue and be valued and also with the opening of more spaces for its interpretation.
Calabeto asked the new generation of singers to work hard with the aim of keeping alive what is one of the country's main musical styles.
The artist made a positive assessment regarding music in general, in almost five decades of independence.
Calabeto was born in Luanda, on April 3, 1945, began his activity at the Evangelical Mission, being part of the choir of the religious congregation.
He is the author of the hits Mbiza ya Kussuke, Kamba Dyami, Sumba Ló Nguingue, Tussocana Kiebi and Ngolo Yami José.
JJD/AKA/OHA/MRA/jmc
