Project by Gelmira Gourgel
Mwangola is an archival curatorial project that explores the memories of Angolan 60s and 70s revolutionary music as a powerful expression of resistance against colonial rule and exploitation through the oil industry. The music from this era has lived on within the living rooms and backyards of Angolan house parties. Mwangola breaks down the distinct structures that supported the revolution as Angola became a nation heading towards liberation. Mwangola dissects the infrastructure of music making and music recording supported by Angola’s national radio station; and the vinyl pressing, vinyl distribution, secret radio broadcasting, and backyard parties that followed as a mode of resistance and cultural preservation. This architecture of solidarity brings acoustical and material tectonics together as way to support the collective memory of Angolan Semba.
