Introduction

Jazz is not a new tradition in Maputo´s night scene; since the late 80s and 90s, the city has hosted modest jazz sessions in some bars and restaurants. However, in recent years, this genre has been steadily gaining more admirers. This trend is particularly notable among the youth of Maputo and contributes to the enrichment of the cultural landscape of Mozambique’s capital.  The big question that arises whenever this topic comes up is: what is actually causing this movement in the city of Maputo?

The young jazz guitarist Elcides Carlos performing with  his band; Photo by Jens Dore

The influence caused by South Africa 

Maputo is a city largely influenced both economically and culturally by its neighbor, South Africa, a country where jazz has been a long-standing tradition and has even gained recognition at the academic level. Consequently, a considerable number of Mozambican musicians, inspired by the development and sophistication of the South African music industry and its musicians, crossed the border during the 90s, particularly to Cape Town, aiming not only to further their musical education but also to advance their careers in South Africa.

The contribution of Mozambican musicians trained abroad

Over the years, this movement to acquire better skills and understanding of this genre of music has brought a new level of quality to local performances and the training offered to local musicians. For instance, Mozambican musicians such as Jimmy Dludlu and João Cabral, who were trained at the University of Cape Town, returned to their homeland and now contribute as professors at Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo. They teach the art of playing jazz and are involved in creating bands and performing with various groups, mostly composed of youth.

Development of the local tourism industry 

Another important aspect is the development Maputo has experienced in terms of the growth of eateries over the two last decades. It is now possible to satisfy everyone’s tastes in Maputo, thanks to the increase in bars and restaurants offering quality options for all tastes and budgets. This growth has created a demand for jazz performances and other subgenres of instrumental music, leading to greater refinement among performers. Moreover, there has been significant growth in local festivals that annually attract international jazz giants from around the world, such as Norman Brown, Bob James, Richard Bona, George Benson, and Earl Klugh, to name a few.

The Afro-Jazz Wave

An interesting aspect contributing to the spread of this music is the blend of jazz with local rhythms such as Marrabenta. Among these experiences that combine jazz and local music, we have witnessed the revitalization of classics by pioneering Mozambican musicians like Fanny Mpfumo and Alexandre Langa.

Conclusion

All these factors create a favorable environment for the continuous growth of jazz, attracting new followers and filling concert halls. This contributes to a vibrant renaissance of this musical genre in Maputo, enriching the cultural diversity of the city and positively impacting local tourism and the economy.