Making music is an act of love

It all happened on a sunny afternoon at the Mozambican Musicians' Association (AMMO), when we came across the renowned Mozambican musician in the middle of rehearsal with his band. When we peeked into the room, everyone's expressions were filled with satisfaction. We were eager to chat with the artist. His readiness after two intense hours of rehearsal is commendable!

Who is Filipe Nhas savele?

Filipe Nhassavele is a Mozambican musician, who was born in the province of Inhambane, into a family in which four brothers are musicians, namely Zacarias Nhassavele, Benjamin Nhassavele, Tomás Nhassavele and Filipe Nhassavele.

When did you embrace a musical career?

I started performing on stage in 1985. Before that, I was just trying to make music. I don't know when exactly I started learning music, but musical instruments were everywhere in my family.

What messages can we find in your compositions?

The main characteristic of my songs has been social criticism. I talk about politics and love, but in my own way.

What is it like to be a musician in Mozambique?

Being a musician in Mozambique is embracing a profession without guarantees. I'm not saying you can't make a living from music, but the bank, for example, doesn't finance musicians. If you book a show and no one shows up, if you don't have support, it's complicated. For me, the profession is satisfying. Music touches the soul, transforms my sadness into joy; when I pick up a guitar, everything flows smoothly. Being a musician is giving your voice to society, conveying what society thinks because you don't have the capacity, so the musician disseminates society's daily life.

Is it possible to make a living from music in Mozambique?

It's possible, though difficult. I know musicians who make a living from music. I make a living from music myself; I'm an assistant intern at ECA and also give private lessons.

XABUBA IS A MILESTONE throughout your career, what were the positive and negative moments?

The positive moment was when I recorded "Xabuba" in 1991, releasing the video that same year and gaining popularity. The negative moment was when the leader of the band Alakavuma, Zeca Muracy, became ill. He still suffers from mental health issues.

Are you a member of the Mozambican Musicians Association?

Yes, yes… I'm the provincial secretary for musicians and I'm up to date with my dues.

What can be done to support musicians in social matters?

In the music industry, there are still no rules guaranteeing adequate social assistance for musicians. The new management has established a partnership with the Mozambican Doctors' Association, which allows musicians to benefit from medical assistance, but it doesn't include medication. We're studying a way for all musicians to contribute to their social security through the National Social Security Institute (INSS)... but there you go, it's normal for an artist to go a month without performing.

What is Filipe Nhassavele's big dream?

My dream is to continue making music and, like so many others, earn a living from my art. I would like to see my copyrights respected. Piracy should also be put an end to; it prevents record companies from investing in Mozambique, and this results in both the government and musicians losing out. I would like musical instruments to be produced locally and, if it is necessary to import a particular instrument, for the import to benefit from exemption from customs duties. Finally, I would like to see the creation of more music schools and universities. How many albums have you released?

I have four (4) albums: two duets and two solo… I also have nine edited video clips.

Have you benefited from family support in your career?

I've had a lot of support when I'm committed to my work. There's been room for productivity, creating time and space for myself. When I went to university, I had a lot of support from my family, for which I'm very grateful.

What is your background?

I have a degree in Music from Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), I defended it in 2010, my theme was “Construction of Super Culture in Mozambique” and the case study is Ngoma Mozambique.

I LIKE TO READ

How have you been filling your free time?

I don't know if I've had any free time... I work almost every weekend, but if I have nothing to do, I like to watch a good movie, talk with my family and, above all, dedicate some time to my greatest passion, which is reading.

What book are you reading?

I like science books. I just finished "Geography of Settlements"... and I've been reading the Bible.

What musicians inspire you?

I admire all well-played music, although there are some great examples like Zé Mucavel, Xidiminguana, and also the strength of youth. I don't know if it's because I studied, but I also admire Jimmy Dludlu, Bob Marley, and Luck Dube.

Can you mention some awards you have won?

I've won a few awards lately. Xabuba won the newcomer award on the Masseve program on TVM in 1991, and I won the Press Award at Ngoma in 1997.

Any work in sight?

I'm negotiating with managers to release a "The Best" compilation bringing together some of my best work.

Do you have any special message for your fans?

Keep trusting me; I'll always be Filipe Nhassavele. School hasn't taken me out of circulation. I love playing. I'm participating in a tax education campaign with the Tax Authority to raise awareness about acquiring a NUIT (Nuit) and paying taxes.