The Executive Secretariat of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and the Permanent Mission of São Tomé and Príncipe to the CPLP organized the ceremony this Monday to award the diplomas of "Goodwill Ambassadors" in the field of culture and music to the musicians Calema, at the organization's headquarters in Lisbon.
The two brothers, who have already been performing for two decades, emphasized that, growing up in São Tomé and Príncipe, they had no role models and that the dream of music seemed distant and difficult.
"When we were starting out, we didn't have any role models because everything seemed so difficult. (...) I think that, in a way, you can show them [young people] that it's possible, that there's a process, and that if you work, if you believe, your dream can become reality, but it really depends on you. That's the light we want," stated Fradique Mendes Ferreira.
António Mendes Ferreira emphasized that being named CPLP ambassadors is a source of pride. "We've always made music with the aim of bringing joy to people, communicating with them, connecting with them, and being part of this family that is the CPLP is incredible. We grew within the community and its culture," António said.
The Calema group also stated that they don't have any planned actions yet, but that they will meet with "those responsible, analyze, and see" how to collaborate within the community to "inspire people and break down barriers."
For the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Communities of São Tomé and Príncipe, Ilza Amado Vaz, this cultural group has successfully brought music from this African nation and conveyed a message of hope and a dream come true throughout the world.
"The Calema group represents what can be the hope of a youth. And it is also the representation of our country," she concluded.
At the 15th Conference of Heads of State and Government of the CPLP, held on July 18 in Bissau, the musicians were appointed "CPLP Goodwill Ambassadors" for a four-year term, renewable for four consecutive terms.
The 9th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers, in July 2004, established the role of "CPLP Goodwill Ambassador," "with a view to broadly promoting the objectives and disseminating the activities of the CPLP," according to a statement from the organization.
