The executive secretariat of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and the permanent mission of São Tomé and Príncipe to the CPLP organized a ceremony today at the organization’s headquarters in Lisbon. The event honored the musicians Calema with the title of “Goodwill Ambassadors” in culture and music.
The two brothers, boasting two decades in their musical career, reflected on their upbringing in São Tomé and Príncipe, noting the lack of role models available to them and how the dream of pursuing music seemed distant and challenging.
“When we started, we had no example to follow because everything seemed very difficult. I believe that, in a way, you can show young people that it’s possible, that there is a process, and if you work and believe, your dream can become a reality, but it depends a lot on you. That’s the light we want to bring,” stated Fradique Mendes Ferreira.
António Mendes Ferreira emphasized the pride in being named CPLP ambassadors. “We have always made music to bring joy to people, to communicate and connect with them, and being part of this family that is the CPLP is incredible. We grew up within the community and its culture,” António remarked.
The Calema duo also mentioned they have not yet planned specific actions but intend to meet with “the responsible entities to analyze and see” how they can collaborate within the community to “inspire people and break barriers.”
Ilza Amado Vaz, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Communities of São Tomé and Príncipe, noted the cultural group’s impact in elevating music from this African nation and spreading a message of hope and realized dreams globally.
“The Calema represent what can be the hope of youth. They also symbolize our country,” she concluded.
During the XV Conference of Heads of State and Government of the CPLP held on July 18 in Bissau, the musicians were appointed “Goodwill Ambassadors of the CPLP” for a four-year term, with the possibility of renewal for similar periods.
The IX Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers in July 2004 established the role of “Goodwill Ambassador of the CPLP” to “broadly promote the objectives and disseminate the activities of the CPLP,” according to an organization statement.
The CPLP comprises Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and East Timor.
