Banda Kakana (Mozambique)

Banda Kakana was formed in Maputo, Mozambique in 2004 by vocalist Yolanda Chicane Nhabete, known as Yolanda Kakana, and guitarist Azarias “Jimmy” Nhabete. Yolanda began her musical career in 2000 through a national television talent competition and later performed with a local rock group before forming Banda Kakana. The band’s name refers to a bitter herb used in southern Mozambican cuisine and traditional medicine, a symbol adopted

to express both the sweetness and complexity of life. Banda Kakana’s music blends elements of marrabenta, Afropop, and soul, and is performed in a range of languages including Portuguese, Changana, Macua, and English. In addition to her musical work, Yolanda has participated in social initiatives supporting children’s artistic development and raising awareness about early marriage.

Featured Song:

“Uma Nova Flor” (A New Flower) features Cabo Verdean singer Kim Alves on lead vocals. The song is from Banda Kakana’s 2022 album of the same title, which featured guest appearances by a range of artists from the Afro-Portuguese world, including Cabo Verde’s Tito Paris, Micas Cabral from the legendary band Tabanka Djazz of Guinea-Bissau and Mozambican icon Mingas. Alves sings, “Love, dream, create / Share joy / Sing, dance, and smile, it does good for the soul / Today the rain didn't come / But I can water and plant a new flower on a sunny day / Life is too short to hold grudges.”

The Afro-Portuguesa song, “Axinene Arivava,” which translates to “Thank you, my sister,” expresses gratitude and admiration for women. The lyrics celebrate natural hair, traditional dress such as the capulana, and local dances including tufo. The song incorporates acoustic guitar, layered percussion and choral responses. Lines such as “Let your body move as you jump rope to the sound of the tufo” and “There is joy that’s contagious, there is magic” highlight themes of cultural pride and shared community spirit.

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