The project had been contemplated “for many years,” but only recently did the organization secure the necessary support to launch the first edition of the festival, explained Hernâni Miguel, the Guinean-born entrepreneur and producer, and president of Boka Mundo. This collective claims to “view African identity with modernity,” aiming to integrate black cultures “into the heart of the city.”
“The stated objective is to connect, promote, disseminate, and bring the ‘Africas’ closer to the context of the Portuguese language and the city of Lisbon, by extension,” reads the Boka Mundo page, highlighting the “particular symbolism” of the initiative debuting in the year celebrating the 50th anniversaries of the independence of the Portuguese-speaking African countries.
“We hope this festival continues, as it is our intention for it to remain in the city,” declared Hernâni Miguel, emphasizing that the aim for future editions is “to bring great musicians to the outskirts” of the capital.
Before that, the festival will take over the city center, specifically at Cinema São Jorge, with a tribute to cinema (screening the films “Cesária” by Ana Sofia Fonseca and “O grande Kilapy” by Zezé Gamboa) and at Capitólio, featuring parades, food and cultural stalls, along with performances by Karyna Gomes and Maria Alice—all with free admission.
“Being African in the 21st century—whether in the diaspora or in the countries of origin—entails a series of civilizational challenges. To face them, it is necessary to confront different realities and make a positive presence in a world more open to diversity, but more dispersed in humanitarian values,” states the organization.
