Angola Avante! One people, one nation.

Oh homeland, we will never forget
The heroes of the 4th of February
Oh homeland, we salute your children
Fallen for our Independence 

As the first chords begin to play, the voices immediately join together in unison, in a demonstration of being part of a proud nation. On the flag post, the red, black and golden flag flutters, filling hearts with an unparalleled feeling of belonging. 50 years ago, a little before the solemn declaration of independence, the timeless symbols were being built in Angola of a people that had long yearned for its freedom. With a sense of mission, blended with immense pride, RuyMingas had his name inscribed in this small, yet major moment in the history of Angola. The musician composed the chords of the music that identifies the country beyond its borders, as a united nation, solid in its immense common dream; the dream that freed a people from the chains of an obsolete colonial empire.

On the night of November 09, 1975, RuyMingas was at home, with his brother, playing a game of chess. The night had begun peacefully for the musician, despite the atmosphere in Angola giving clear signs, already, pointing towards the inevitability of what would eventually happen two days later. Nevertheless, while moving the pieces on the chessboard, RuyMingas was still unaware that he was about to be invited to create something that would connect him forever to the history of Angola’s independence. The board game was suddenly interrupted by an envoy from Manuel Rui Monteiro, the then minister for information, who knocked on the door and informed him that the MPLA Political Bureau had suggested that the two of them – him and Manuel Rui – compose the lyrics and melody of the song that would become the symbol of the common Angolan identity.

In the minister’s house, who was practically his neighbour, the musician began to compose the melody for the song, working on it throughout the night, while Manuel Rui, worked on the verses. In a room to the side, some friends, including Ruy’s brother, Sandy Mingas, were dealing with matters concerning the national flag. While efforts were being made to ensure that the solemn declaration of independence could be made at short notice, the symbolic foundations that would support credibility, and which would unify a country desperate to change the political map of Africa, were being built. On that night Angola Avante! [Forward Angola!] was created, to represent the freedom of a people ready to follow its path.

In 1975, Ruy Mingas could look back over his life of 36 years packed with vicissitudes. Before the independence of the country he had always considered his, RuyMingas went to Portugal, while still very young, where he studied sport and physical education. His time spent in Portugal had its ups and downs: he did military service with the Colonial Army, something healthy young men living under the Salazar regime were unable to avoid; he was made a political prisoner; and he married the mother of his four children, all of which were born in Portugal, the country in which he lived for 17 years. He forged friendships there with Portuguese, Angolans and citizens of other countries, but he never felt that he was a ‘Portuguese citizen’. Quite the contrary; Ruy Mingas dreamed of an independent Angola and the ties were too strong that connected him to this, his, our land, which went on to become the Republic of Angola. The Angolan youth of the time shared an ardent wish; to have a flag and an anthem, symbols that would set apart an Angolan citizen in any part of the world. On that day, on the eve of November 11, a cassette was recorded with the Angolan national anthem, which was then taken to Angola’s National Radio, where a female choir was waiting to rehearse it and, thus, immortalise a song, which, thereafter, would contribute towards cementing Angola’s place on the international stage and giving its people a symbol of national unity. On that night, the symbols of a new nation were born. On that night, the foundations of a free and independent Angola were formed.

Forward, Angola!
Revolution!!
By the power of the people
Homeland united, freedom
One people, one nation

Angola Anthem:
O Pátria, nunca mais esqueceremos
Os heróis do quatro de Fevereiro.
O Pátria, nós saudamos os teus filhos
Tombados pela nossa Independência.
Honramos o passado e a nossa História,
Construindo no Trabalho o Homem novo,
(repete as duas últimas linhas)
Angola, avante!
Revolução, pelo Poder Popular!
Pátria Unida, Liberdade,
Um só povo, uma só Nação!
(repete estrofe)
Levantemos nossas vozes libertadas
Para gloriados povos africanos.
Marchemos, combatentes angolanos,
Solidários com os povos oprimidos.
Orgulhosos lutaremos Pela Paz
Com as forças progressistas do mundo.

Angola Avante! represents the freedom of a people ready to follow its path.