David Zé

"Mutudi Ua Ufolo/Viuva Da Liberdade" is one of the most important records ever made in Angola. An hypnotic masterpiece that blends Central African rhythms and Semba with soulful guitar and percussion. Originally released on CDA with Conjunto Merengue, it captured Zé at his creative peak. Sung in Portuguese and local dialects, the songs balance rhythmic elegance with deep political weight, tracing ties to Afro-Brazilian and Latin American musical traditions.

After Zé’s assassination in 1977, the album was banned for years — but it lives on as a vital work of resistance and beauty. In 2008, his influence reached new ears when Damian Marley & Nas sampled “Undenge Uami” on Distant Relatives.

Born Gabriel David José Ferreira, David Zé was raised in a musical family and mentored by Urbano de Castro. Alongside Artur Nunes and Castro, he was silenced during the 1977 coup. Yet his music remains a symbol of resilience and national pride. This reissue was made possible with the support of David Zé’s family and Associação M27.