Bonga

An iconic Angolan singer and songwriter, Bonga's music is synonymous with his country's fight for independence in the 1970s. While exiled in Europe for his pro-independence advocacy, he recorded a pair of albums that effectively soundtracked the African nation's struggle to wrest control from colonial Portugal. Sung in his trademark rasp, the harrowing "Mona Ki Ngi Xica" became something of a national anthem and remains one of his best-known songs. Following Angola's independence in 1975, Bonga returned to his homeland and performed with the government-supported orchestra Semba Tropical. His legacy was cemented over subsequent decades as he became the voice of peace for future generations. Bonga's popularity both in Africa and throughout Europe has extended well into the 21st century with albums like 2011's Hora Kota and 2022's Kintal da Banda.