Angolan Anti-Imperialist Jams (1970-1978)
28 videos • 1,088 views • by LMR Between 1961 and 1975, the communist-leaning Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) was at the forefront of the anti-imperialist movement against then-Fascist ruled Portugal's continued control of Angola. In 1975, resulting from the dual pressures of a growing anti-imperialist movement in the colonies and the anti-fascist, left-wing military coup known as the Carnation Revolution in Portugal proper, colonial control was broken and Angola gained nominal independence under the rule of the MPLA. Unsurprisingly, the U.S. (and apartheid South Africa) began funding right-wing militias and death squads in the country, which led to a 15 year long civil war that destroyed much of Angola in the process. However, despite all this upheaval, there was (and is) a vibrant music scene in Angola. The growing success of the MPLA in the 1960s and 70s led to an explosion of leftist political pop music. Artists like David Zé, Sofia Rosa, Antonio Paulino, and Artur Nunes were all openly supportive of the MPLA and wrote music dedicated to the struggle for independence. Zé, in particular, was extremely committed to the MPLA and became a militant activist in the organization. I hope y'all enjoy these tunes. Solidarity!