The Sigauque Project from Mozambique

December 11, 2013 

We discovered some new beats today from an awesome band in Mozambique - The Sigauque Project. An article from the December issue of the UN African Renewal, highlights the work of African artists that have used their music to spread important messages, including the Sigauque Project and national treasures such as Youssou N’Dour, Oliver Mtukudzi and Angélique Kidjo. 

The Sigauque Project is a band based in Maputo, Mozambique, whose music is all about raising issues and trying to bring about change. Its musical influences include Senegalese mbalak, Nigerian Afro-beat and Mozambican marrabenta. A unique pan-Africanism stems from the band’s use of music originally recorded across Africa, which it performs in its own unique style. The band’s two singers, with full horn section, throbbing bass and rhythmic percussion, create sound, including jazz that keeps audiences grooving all night, while the messages come through loud and clear. 

“Now, you see musicians singing about girls, money and fast cars. Not long ago Africa was full of music that made a statement—about government, corruption, things that matter,” says Sigauque Project leader and trumpet player Daniel Walter. “Our music talks about HIV, women’s rights, recovering from a disaster, xenophobia and much more. It’s not just great music, we’re saying something.”

Most of the music performed by the Sigauque Project was produced by Community Media for Development (CMFD) Productions, which records music and radio projects for social change. The project Musicians Against Xenophobia brought together musicians from Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe to produce four songs about discrimination. 

Learn more about The Sigauque Project.

Listen to some of their music here.

Read the full UNAfrican Renewal article here.