Africa-Press – Angola. Angolan literary critic Jomo Fortunato called this Tuesday in the municipality of Viana, Luanda, for greater appreciation and expansion of culture, with a view to the country’s development and its international recognition.
Jomo Fortunato was speaking at a round table discussion on “music and literature as an integral part of the armed struggle and national liberation process,” promoted by the Viana Municipal Administration.
In his intervention at the event, he stated that the country’s cultural development was crucial to the armed struggle for national liberation, which began on February 4, 1961.When discussing “Music and Literature as an integral part of the process,” Jomo Fortunato emphasized that this cultural adoption “resulted” in political struggle and other struggles that allowed Angolans to achieve peace and work towards economic and social development.
According to Jomo Fortunato, this cultural adoption also allowed for the appreciation of national culture in the face of colonization and the assimilation process, which had various periods, notably the clandestine and guerrilla struggles.
During the event, the cultural figure mentioned the contribution of writers to the mobilization of the indigenous people with protest poems and songs that facilitated the awakening of consciousness in the face of colonial exploitation.Jomo Fortunato recalled writers such as António Agostinho Neto, António Jacinto, Pepetela, Uanhenga Xitu, Joaquim Dias Cordeiro da Mata, António Cardoso, among others who fought against the Portuguese colonial regime.
Earlier, at the opening of the event, the Deputy Municipal Administrator for Finance, David Mavinga, said that February 4, 1961, carries immeasurable historical value, as it gave rise to National Independence and, consequently, the peace that the country currently enjoys.
In his speech, he stated that the local administration has made every effort to improve the social and housing conditions of the residents.
He appealed to the youth to preserve and honor the memory of those who fought for the conquest of independence and peace.
In turn, the Municipal Director of Tourism and Culture, Dialmo Dende, emphasized that today’s event reinforces the commitment of Angolans to the true history of the country.
The round table discussion on “music and literature as an integral part of the beginning of the Armed Struggle” was promoted by the Viana Tourism and Culture Directorate and brought together youth associations, civil servants and community leaders.
