Mati Yaku Phuza ⎯ Água de Beber is an encounter that brings together two contemporary artists. He, a musician and composer from Mozambique, molds mbiras with his own hands, infusing each one with the soul of his land. She, born in Portugal with roots in Guinea-Bissau and Angola, and a deep connection to Brazil, is a multi-artist who sings, dances, writes, and acts.Together, they embark on a journey that goes beyond statistics, diving into the subjectivities of these bodies through affection, art, rebellion, and courage. Mati Yaku Phuza ⎯ Água de Beber celebrates individuality and presence, transforming pain into power and objectification into protagonism. The spirituality and ritual of music intertwine in their creations, weaving narratives that blend fiction and reality, where the mbira meets voices and rhythms that echo ancestry and future.
Credits
Artistic Creation
Isabél Zuaa and Mbalango
Musical Composition
Isabél Zuaa and Mbalango
Isabél Zuaa is a multidisciplinary artist born in Lisbon, with origins in Guinea-Bissau and Angola. She is dedicated to dramaturgies that highlight Black people as protagonists. Trained in acting at Chapitô, Escola Superior de Teatro e Cinema, and Unirio, she has been working in theater, cinema, television, and performance projects primarily in Brazil and Portugal since 2010. Along with Cleo Diára and Nádia Yracema, she founded the AURORA NEGRA collective and the KILOMBO Festival. + https://www.instagram.com/zuaa_isabel/
Mbalango, born in 1986 in Maputo, Mozambique, is a skilled mbira player, composer, and actor who also constructs his own mbiras and leads workshops on the instrument. A graduate of the National School of Music in Mozambique, he divides his time between Maputo and Lisbon. Mbalango is actively involved with the theater company Hotel Europa, contributing to productions like Eastern Loves and Luta Armada. In 2019, he released his debut solo album, showcasing his deep connection to traditional African music while exploring new creative avenues. His work continues to inspire and educate, blending performance with craftsmanship and cultural preservation. + https://mbalango.weebly.com/