Zé Manel (Guinea-Bissau)

Zé Manel was born in Bissau, the capital of Guinea- Bissau, in 1957 and spent his youth amid the country’s struggle for independence from Portuguese colonial rule. He was a founding member of Super Mama Djombo, a band that rose to prominence in the years following independence and became one of Guinea-Bissau’s most influential groups. At the peak of their popularity, they played to stadium crowds in West Africa, including a concert in Senegal where a young Youssou N’Dour opened the show. Their populist songs initially won favor with President Luís Cabral, and the group accompanied him to political events across the country. Over time, however, their lyrics—often critical of government corruption and injustice—put them at odds with the regime. In 1982, Zé Manel released his first solo album, which denounced the emergence of a new authoritarian elite. Fearing retaliation from the military, he left Guinea-Bissau and eventually settled in Oakland, California.

Featured Song:

“Na Nha Fala” (In My Words) is from Ze Manel’s fifth album, 2018’s Nha Alma and featured on Putumayo's Café International. The song reflects on the people of Guinea-Bissau, who have endured significant loss and setbacks but remain undefeated in spirit. “I don't feel it in my words / Talking about a group of Guineans / In my heart / I feel the world / In my hands I feel / The strength of warriors.” 

The Afro-Portuguesa track, “História Fala” (History Speaks), reflects on the burdens and erased voices of young women and marginalized people. “If history could speak, what would it reveal?” he asks. “History speaks / That girl is someone’s daughter / She didn’t say a word / And they already wrote her story.”

Artist Website

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