The concerts take place on the 19th and 20th of November, in Lisbon and Porto, respectively.
"In addition to the most popular songs, such as 'Mariquinha', 'Olhos Molhados' or 'Homem do Saco', some themes from 'Kintal', the singer's new album, will be part of the lineup of these celebration concerts. they take us back to one's own life course", can be read in the statement released by Grupo Chiado.
Bonga is the artistic name of José Adelino Barceló de Carvalho, born in Kipiri, in the province of Bengo, in 1942.
On his 75th birthday, in an interview with Lusa, Bonga recalled "the difficult times" he lived, having come "to be banned from performing, even in Angola", and when Angolan music, "in a pejorative way, was called of folklore".
"There was a period of prejudice, when they called [Angolan music] folklore, which was a bit pejorative, and [there were] obstacles I had to face, because it was different music, which was not valued, less heard, and today, more than ever, I am aware of having put a brick in this great construction that is the consequent dissemination of our Angolan/African music", said the musician, adding that Angolan music, currently, "is more recognized and respected than 20 years ago".
Referring to musical fusions as kizomba and kuduro, the musician considered that "they run the risk of passing quickly", unlike the genre he always sang, "semba, which is defined, which is Angolan, and is timeless, in fact, even those who make these mergers end up hitting semba".
Bonga referred to semba as a song "which has its own expression and a very strong experience in relation to a whole people who made it their way of life".
Bonga compared himself to Port wine, stating that "the older the better" and hence "to continue to be sung by the younger ones".
Bonga debuted in 1972 with the album "Angola'72", which was followed by another 39, including five compilations and two live recorded. In 2014, France awarded him the Order of Arts and Letters, knighthood.
