“Just as in Portugal the 25th of April now feels like a distant memory for the younger generations, the same emotional disconnection has occurred in the African Portuguese-speaking countries with their ‘liberators of the homeland'”, stated the researcher and professor from the University of Lisbon, Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences (ISCSP), during an interview.
The “second generation” youth following the independences “are now so far removed that they seek tangible results,” commented the author of books like ‘Nation Building in Africa’ and ‘The Strategic Positioning of PALOP in the Face of the Global Crisis within the Framework of the Portuguese Presidency of the CPLP’.
“They understand the reality and face enormous challenges of socio-professional integration, even when holding technical qualifications. The unemployment rate is exceedingly high, living conditions are extremely difficult, inflation is always rampant, and this generates dissatisfaction among young people from generation to generation,” stated Borges Graça.
In the context of these difficulties, the researcher also sees cultural manifestations such as music and art as vehicles of social criticism.
“The best indicator is music and lyrics. It is where we find the major social critique at this moment in youth culture. Poetry, which is linked to music, reflects the challenges of reality,” the professor noted.
When asked if the social reality in many former colonies could spark revolutionary sentiments among the youth, the professor mentioned the impact of external influences and aesthetic factors on the younger generation.
“Today’s youth are heavily influenced aesthetically. They are influenced by music, often from environments that are unrelated to African contexts, such as the rap from American segregated neighborhoods. Yet, fundamentally, it reflects impotence, frustration, and revolt due to the lack of conditions and opportunities,” he argued.
The author referred to the protest song ‘Liberdade’ (1974) by Sérgio Godinho, highlighting the population’s desire for stability.
“On April 25th, we had a famous song that mentioned peace, bread, housing, health, and education. Hence, these are the things people desire,” he concluded.
