MOSAMBIQAN HERO OF MODERN TIME!
Edson Amândio Maria Lopes da Luz (6 May 1984 - 9 March 2023), better known by his stage name Azagaia, was a Mozambican rapper known for his songs about political issues and social justice in Mozambique. In 2014, he was described as "the most influential Mozambican rapper". Until 2013, Azagaia was a member of the Democratic Movement of Mozambique.
Mocambique.TV In February 2008, Azagaia released the song "Povo no poder" (English: "people in power"); the song was controversial, and led to him receiving a subpoena to appear before the Attorney General over allegations of "attacking the security of the state". "Povo no poder" has gone on to be a staple song of the protestors against the Mozambican government, his hits - "Povo no Poder" - laments the rising cost of living and low incomes. He also raps that the government is beyond redemption and vows that it can't stop the people's protests. Azagaia also repeatedly accused politicians of the former Marxist-Leninist ruling party FRELIMO of exploiting ordinary citizens to allow themselves a luxurious life, during his lifetime, the government treated Azagaia with hostility. He was arrested. The state media censored his songs. The prosecutor's office accused him of inciting violence after the release of Povo no Poder.
On 9 March 2023, Azagaia died at his home in Maputo due to complications linked to epilepsy. He was 38. On March 14, the day of Azagaia's funeral, security forces acted particularly ruthlessly against demonstrators when the crowd tried to carry the rapper's coffin past the Ponta Vermelha, the president's official residence.
At least 19 people were injured in Maputo alone, two of them seriously. According to reports, a protester lost an eye after a tear gas canister hit his face. Police also beat an unarmed man lying on the ground before dragging him into a police car.
The procession were chanting popular Azagaia songs, including "Povo no poder" and "Vampiros" (English: "Vampires"), in which Azagaia had compared corrupt leaders of Frelimo to Vampires.
