Maputo 2024

When we (Hilário and Mista) met each other during a concert in the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon, we didn't know what the future had in store for us. Nonetheless, our connection, forged through kindness, brotherhood, and music, was authentic. We naturally started chatting and showing interest in each other's music.

That was followed by recording sessions and regular exchanges, which then led to the idea of going to Maputo to create music with local artists and build on the deep connection we were feeling between our instruments (Mbira and Berimbau) and rhythms. We realised that our traditional instruments—the Mbira and the Berimbau—and our ancestral rhythms are often undervalued, not just by the world, but by ourselves. That was the birth of BARIMBIKU (Berimbau + Mbira + Batuku). It can also be translated as ‘altruism’ in Cape Verdean Creole.

With BARIMBIKU, we wanted to spotlight traditional African rhythms and instruments, as well as artists throughout the continent. We wanted to fuse the unique sounds of African instruments with contemporary styles, such as Hip-hop and Reggae, in an effort to create music that is both authentic and accessible, and that would resonate with people all over the world. We also aimed at facilitating opportunities and support for local independent artists.

Our time in Maputo was a beautiful whirlwind of "learning by doing." We pushed our limits through tours of historical sites, intense jam and recording sessions, unforgettable concerts, and local interviews, gathering incredible material that has forever broadened our vision.

Our ecosystem in Maputo was truly multidisciplinary. We didn't just record music; we built a community. We collaborated with a diverse collective of multi-instrumentalists, composers, and traditional instrument builders alongside poets, painters, and visual storytellers. By uniting sonic and visual arts, we ensured that the spirit of BARIMBIKU was captured in every medium.

We proved that even with limited resources, a powerful connection can create a movement. Today, that movement lives on through our documentary videos on YouTube and our debut album, available now on all streaming platforms. By listening and supporting our music, you are directly investing in the next BARIMBIKU residency.

Check out our "recap video" showcasing the highlights of our residency.