Bonga Kwenda, one of Angola’s most iconic artists, has inspired a whole generation with his much-loved songs and performances. Even at the height of fame, he continues to collaborate with new artists, always keeping his sound fresh and exciting. Responsible for the arrangement of the song Sodade 18 years before Cesária Évora made it a world-famous, Bonga Kwenda actually means “someone who is ahead and in constant movement”.
Born in the province of Bengo, he launched his first album Angola 72 in 1972 . In the 80’s, he became the first African artist to open at the Coliseum in Lisbon and also performed at Harlem’s Apollo and Paris’s Olympia. Having partnered with UNICEF, FAO and the ONU, Kwenda was awarded the Order of the Medal of Bravery and the Arts in 2018, for his life-long work and representation of the Angolan culture.
Arrive in good time to hear from Kwenda about his life story firsthand before he performs some of his most iconic songs live.
Check out the full timetable on the BATUKE! website
Dress code: Gala
Please note: the show starts at 8.30pm.
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