Africa-Press – Angola. The vice-president of the ruling MPLA party, Mara Quiosa, highlighted on Tuesday (10) in Luanda the importance of continuing to honor and value the men and women who directly or indirectly contributed to National Independence and the construction of the country.
In statements to the press, within the scope of the 3rd season of the project dubbed “Heroes of Freedom,” which paid tribute to the musician Elias Dia Kimuezo and the nationalist Engrácia Cabenha, the MPLA leader valued their achievements for the Homeland.
During a visit to the residence of the Semba style veteran singer Elias Diá Kimuezo, who is considered the King of Angolan music, Mara Quiosa pointed out that the National Liberation Struggle was not only carried out with weapons, but also through music, which served as a means of transmitting messages of awareness and mobilization of the Angolan people.
“King Elias Dia Kimuezo is an unavoidable reference in Angolan music and a giant of our cultural mosaic. Through his art, he’s contributed decisively to the National Liberation Struggle, to peace, and to the affirmation of national identity,” Mara Quiosa Stated.
The MPLA vice-president also highlighted the importance of honoring heroes while they are still alive, arguing that recognition during their lifetime is a gesture of care and appreciation for those who served the country with dignity.
According to the politician, the presence of the MPLA central leadership is a result of guidelines from the party leader, João Lourenço, who has reinforced the need to care for militants and, in general, the Angolan people.
Mara Quiosa highlighted the fact that Elias Dia Kimuezo is an MPLA member, emphasizing that the party sees itself as a large family that welcomes, embraces, and cares for its members. “We shouldn’t put off until tomorrow what we can do today. It’s time to take care of each other, to embrace each other, and to recognize those who have given so much for Angola,” she stressed.
Nationalist Engrácia Cabenha
As part of the field visit, the MPLA leadership also paid tribute to the nationalist Engrácia Cabenha, known as the “Queen of February 4th,” recognizing her historical role in the National Liberation Struggle.
In Engrácia Cabenha’s home the MPLA’s vice-president praised the courage and determination of the women who participated in the Armed Struggle for National Liberation.
Mara Quiosa emphasized that although fewer in number, they represented the strength and resistance of all Angolan women.
She expressed “deep” appreciation for the nationalist’s contribution, stressing that the current struggle involves promoting social progress and sustainable development in Angola.
Those honored rejoiced at the visit, highlighting the preponderant role of the gesture of solidarity.
Engraça Cabenha said that to achieve independence they had to embrace several challenges, during which many died.
In this sense, she appealed to young people to respect independence and their elders, bearing in mind that the preservation of peace is in their hands.
The tribute to the “King of Angolan music” and the “Queen of February 4th” is part of the Heroes of Freedom project, which aims to recognize nationalists and historical figures in different regions of the country, whenever possible.
