Luanda – Angolan nationalist Rui Alberto Vieira Dias Rodrigues Mingas, who died on January 4 of an illness in Lisbon, Portugal, was laid to rest on Friday at Luanda’s Alto das Cruzes cemetery.
At the funeral eulogy, Ângela Mingas, daughter of the deceased, said several stories and legacies have been left by the late nationalist, having thanked him for the exemplary and rigid support he always gave his family.
"We all know your pain and we always tried to help you overcome it. You were a teacher to everyone, with a soft voice," she said, stressing that her father was a fighter who taught his children to be resilient.
On the occasion, historian Rosa Cruz e Silva said she was heartbroken to say goodbye to composer Rui Mingas, and hoped that the values he passed on throughout his life would be honored.
The historian asked young people to follow in the footsteps of the nationalist, in favor of the country's growth and development.
Rui Alberto Vieira Dias Rodrigues Mingas was an Angolan singer, songwriter, diplomat, businessman, sportsman and politician who co-authored the music for the National Anthem ("Angola Avante") with Manuel Rui Monteiro.
Throughout his professional career, Rui Mingas (who has died aged 84) was a member of the ruling MPLA Parliamentary Group, secretary to the Minister of Sports and Angola's ambassador to Portugal.
On July 26, 1995, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal. In 2002, he formed a business association with Paulo Múrias and the "Minerva Foundation - Culture - Teaching and Scientific Research". EVC/OHA/AMP
