Zé Manel was born in Bissau, the capital city of Guinea-Bissau in 1957 and spent much of his youth embroiled in the struggle for independence from Portuguese rule. Manel was a founding member of the seminal band Super Mama Djombo, which was one of Guinea-Bissau’s most popular bands. At the height of their fame, Super Mama Djombo filled a stadium in Senegal, and a then little-known singer named Youssou N’Dour was the opening act. For a time their left-wing lyrics and populist messages endeared them to Luis Cabral, the nation’s first post-independence president, and they traveled with him to perform at political rallies. Eventually, however, their progressive lyrics led them afoul of the increasingly restrictive regime. Zé Manel released his first solo album in 1982, which contained powerful lyrics that sounded the alarm over the formation of a new, repressive ruling class. Fearing a reprisal from the military death squads that were taking over the country, Manel left Guinea-Bissau for Portugal, eventually ending up in Oakland, California where he lives today.
Featured Song:
“Na Nha Fala” (In My Words) is from Ze Manel’s fifth album, 2018’s Nha Alma. The song reflects on the people of Guinea-Bissau, who have endured significant loss and setbacks but remain undefeated in spirit. “I don't feel it in my words / Talking about a group of Guineans / In my heart / I feel the world / In my hands I feel / The strength of warriors.”
Featured On:
Click images to learn more
