Getting to know Mozambican jazz icon Moreira Chonguica

Mozambican jazz icon Moreira Chonguica is a humanitarian, an arts activist and a firm advocate for putting the continent’s jazz music on the world map.

He says: “Art is not to be understood. It’s to be felt.”

We are sitting in a Rosebank coffee house exchanging ideas on life, music and a career that has spanned many years and taken Chonguica to many corners of the globe performing his special brand of music.

He will be one of the attractions at the upcoming Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival at the Sandton Convention Centre from September 26 to 28.

His concerts have evolved over the years and he will be utilising two percussionists in his musical mix, adding to the drive and texture of his rhythmic attack. He is looking forward to his second appearance at the festival.

Chonguica is 42 years old. As a youngster he was going to study law but ended up in music which, he says, chose him.

He is proud of the fact that during his career he has worn many hats. These include being a highly celebrated saxophonist, producer, composer and marketing conceptualist. He is also an articulate ethnomusicologist which is the study of music from the cultural and social aspects of the people who make it.

It encompasses distinct theoretical and methodical approaches that emphasise cultural, social, material, cognitive, biological, and other dimensions of musical behaviour, instead of only looking at isolated sounds.

Ethnomusicology is a subject close to his heart. It is the reason why he expounds on the virtues of African jazz, its roots and its place in the world.

He says: “Anybody can learn to play an instrument, anybody can use a computer and anybody can make a pizza, but I never dissociate myself from the context that I am in. I am an African. I was born in Mozambique and it influenced me.

“Then I came to South Africa where there were other influences. I use my music to change people. I like to study people and their differences because today it doesn’t matter your tribe, race or colour, we have to take ownership of the global village.”

He firmly believes that everybody has to play their part in uplifting society, whether it’s the person serving you coffee, playing sport, or he, when he is performing.

“You must take pride and give of your best in whatever you do. You have to strive to be a professional and raise your standards.”

He concedes that this does not always happen, especially in the political field, and it saddens him.

“We need to respect one another’s differences and I cannot be indifferent to what happens around me. Without love there is no respect and without respect there is no success and without success there are no earnings.”

He expressed his concern over unemployment and lack of proper education for young people in Africa. “What values are we going to leave for the next generation?” he asks.

Chonguica sees an important role for himself in his country, making substantial contributions in his drive to help uplift young Mozambicans.

“Fortunately my country’s government is very open and we work closely together. Our minister of culture is an artist, a painter, and he understands the situation.”

Chonguica, who is also involved in Mozambique’s version of the Joy of Jazz, with an annual mini-festival called More Jazz, believes in the term “cultural tourism”, saying the unification of Africa and the positioning of the continent in the world is of vital importance.

There is a need to encourage international visitors, he feels, who can experience the country’s heritage through its people, its cuisine and its landscape.

He was approached by the Japanese Ambassador to be part of an international committee of advisors for orphaned children from around the world. Music was the link. South Africa’s Yvonne Chaka Chaka is on the board.

Moreira Chonguica keeps his career buoyant with tours, new CDs – he has already recorded seven – and cross-pollinating with other musicians.

He cited his work two years ago with the great Cameroonian musician, Manu Dibango, on an album, M&M. The thinking behind this work was to revive evergreen music and interpret it from an African perspective.

“Manu was 85 and I am in my forties. We speak different languages, yet through music we were united.”

Chonguica will be performing with his band on the Dinaledi stage on Saturday, September 28.

Info

Tickets can also be obtained from Computicket and Checkers.

Prices are, opening night: R750, 1-day pass Friday or Saturday: R795, 2-day pass: R1 350

For more information, visit Joy of Jazz