On the night of 5 April, the Franco-Mozambican Cultural Centre (CCFM) was transformed into a buzzing stage for celebrating and empowering women, hosting the closing concert of Women's Month entitled Kapulana Hip-Hop. This emblematic event, headlined by Mozambican hip-hop star Iveth Mafundza, known in music circles as Nkosikazi, and the energetic band As Marias, marked the culmination of the festivities dedicated to women, an annual initiative promoted by the Embassy of France in Mozambique.
The CCFM's main hall filled up to witness a show that not only highlighted the significant influence of women in hip-hop culture, but also celebrated their achievements in a field traditionally dominated by men. Iveth, with her unique voice and lyrics that challenge social and gender stereotypes, together with As Marias, the first band from the School of Communication and Arts of Eduardo Mondlane University, provided a memorable night of music, dance and powerful messages about gender equality, women's rights and empowerment.
The presence of guest artists such as Gina Pepa, Jazz P, Onésia Muholove and Sistah Afrika enriched the event even further, creating a diverse mosaic of female talent that reflects the richness of the Mozambican hip-hop scene. Each performance, each verse, resonated like an anthem to the strength, resilience and creativity of Mozambican women, drawing enthusiastic applause from an audience visibly moved and inspired.
Iveth Mafundza, as well as being an influential voice in hip-hop, is a remarkable example of female leadership and activism. A law graduate, she works as a lawyer at the Mozambican Human Rights League and lectures at the Faculty of Law of Eduardo Mondlane University and at the Higher Institute of Science and Technology of Mozambique. Her album "O Convite", released in 2010, is a powerful manifesto for gender equality and against oppression.
As Marias, for their part, have been a driving force in Mozambican music since their formation in 2014, captivating audiences in and outside Mozambique with their contagious energy and messages of female empowerment. Their participation in the International Youth Music Festival of the sister cities of Chengdu, China, in 2017, is just one of the many milestones of their rising musical career.
The closing concert of Women's Month at the CCFM was a moment of cultural, social and political affirmation, underlining the importance of women's voices in music and in society. Through captivating rhythms and provocative lyrics, Iveth, As Marias and all the artists involved provided an unforgettable night that left an indelible mark on the heart of Maputo, celebrating Mozambican women in all their strength, diversity and beauty.
