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Angola: a word that derives from the Bantu word N’gola.
Capital: Luanda.
Motto: Virtus Unitas Fortior (Unity is Strength).
Prolepsis....
15th Century – Diogo Cão arrives in Congo (1484), under the orders of His Royal Highness, King John II; and from this date onwards began the Portuguese conquest of this region, including Angola.
16th – 17th Centuries – The Portuguese settle in the coastal territories of the Angolan region (since penetrating its interior was very hard). Paulo Dias de Novais seeks to explore the region’s natural resources – especially slaves. Luanda is founded. Angola becomes the main supplier of slaves for the sugar cane plantations in Brazil.
In the period of 1580-1640, during the Filipino occupation (by the Portuguese), the Dutch tried to steal this region by occupying the Angolan coast; however Luso-Brazilian troops expelled them; hence re-establishing the commercial ties between Salvador, Rio de Janeiro and Luanda.
Capital: Luanda.
Motto: Virtus Unitas Fortior (Unity is Strength).
Prolepsis....
15th Century – Diogo Cão arrives in Congo (1484), under the orders of His Royal Highness, King John II; and from this date onwards began the Portuguese conquest of this region, including Angola.
16th – 17th Centuries – The Portuguese settle in the coastal territories of the Angolan region (since penetrating its interior was very hard). Paulo Dias de Novais seeks to explore the region’s natural resources – especially slaves. Luanda is founded. Angola becomes the main supplier of slaves for the sugar cane plantations in Brazil.
In the period of 1580-1640, during the Filipino occupation (by the Portuguese), the Dutch tried to steal this region by occupying the Angolan coast; however Luso-Brazilian troops expelled them; hence re-establishing the commercial ties between Salvador, Rio de Janeiro and Luanda.
18th Century – Angola is the reservoir of slaves for plantations and mines, in Brazil and in other colonies of the American continent.
19th Century – The interior of the region is finally colonised. End of the Slave trade. Angolan borders are defined.
1900-1960 – high economic development, as a result of the increase in the production of coffee, sugar cane, corn, sisal and etc (to export). Oil begins to be explored in Cabinda. Iron is explored in the regions of Jamba, Cassinga and Txamutete. Approximately 100,000 Portuguese emigrate to Angola.
11th of November of 1975 – Angola becomes an independent nation. This date also marks the beginning of the first period of civil war that lasted until 31st of May 1991. The second period of civil war began in December of 1998 and finished in 2002, with the demise of Jonas Savimbi (the leader of the UNITA party).
Post Independence Period
Angola is the second largest oil producer and diamond exporter. Despite these facts its population lives in extreme poverty.
The Angolan society is very young and it is composed by different ethnicities:
Black people: Ovibundos (37%), Kibundos (25%), Bakongos (13%) and others.
White people: 2% (mainly Portuguese descendants).
Mulatto: 2%.
Others: 1%.
Language
The only official language is the Portuguese. However there are two most spoken dialects: the Umbundu and the Kimbundu.
Dance and Music
Dancing proved to be a crucial factor in integrating the people and in preserving their identity and sense of community. There are several traditional rhythms, however the most known Angolan musical genres are: Semba, Kizomba and Kuduro (which will be covered throughout this month, on a weekly basis).
But to get this party started, allow me to share a dance that is quite famous in Portugal and in other former African colonies: the Kizomba.
The Kizomba has invaded the life of the Portuguese youth, showing how much the Angolan culture is influencing the Portuguese one. Below are two introductory videos: the first displays the champions of the 1st International Kizomba Congress (Mafalda & Bruno); and the second displays the most common form of Kizomba (the basic one). Enjoy!
Angola is the second largest oil producer and diamond exporter. Despite these facts its population lives in extreme poverty.
The Angolan society is very young and it is composed by different ethnicities:
Black people: Ovibundos (37%), Kibundos (25%), Bakongos (13%) and others.
White people: 2% (mainly Portuguese descendants).
Mulatto: 2%.
Others: 1%.
Language
The only official language is the Portuguese. However there are two most spoken dialects: the Umbundu and the Kimbundu.
Dance and Music
Dancing proved to be a crucial factor in integrating the people and in preserving their identity and sense of community. There are several traditional rhythms, however the most known Angolan musical genres are: Semba, Kizomba and Kuduro (which will be covered throughout this month, on a weekly basis).
But to get this party started, allow me to share a dance that is quite famous in Portugal and in other former African colonies: the Kizomba.
The Kizomba has invaded the life of the Portuguese youth, showing how much the Angolan culture is influencing the Portuguese one. Below are two introductory videos: the first displays the champions of the 1st International Kizomba Congress (Mafalda & Bruno); and the second displays the most common form of Kizomba (the basic one). Enjoy!
Comments
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Dissecting Society™ welcomes all sorts of comments, as we are strong advocates of freedom of speech; however, we reserve the right to delete Troll Activity; libellous and offensive comments (e.g. racist and anti-Semitic) plus those with excessive foul language. This blog does not view vulgarity as being protected by the right to free speech. Cheers
Max, nice dance....:)
ReplyDeleteI can see that you like history. I sucked in history until I told myself what is history - yesterday, whatever happened a minute ago...lol...and you know it isn't that hard anymore. I actually enjoy it more now, than in highschool or even elementary school or may be because I don't have to learn it anymore, just enjoy it, lol.
Excellent post, lot of interesting facts about Angola, and now I know something.
Max, thanks for your always prompt visits. These days I am lost in blogging world - as I have so much to do outside the blogging. So Matthew got his first fever last week which lasted for about 4 days, and he is teething too. But he is fine now...little trooper. At least we know that his immune system is working, and he been fighting well.
Max, you know your blog is looking cool.
Thanks again, and I have to dance away now...
Anna :)
Hey Anna :D!
ReplyDelete"Max, nice dance....:)"
It is, isn't it? :)
"I can see that you like history. I sucked in history until I told myself what is history - yesterday, whatever happened a minute ago...lol...and you know it isn't that hard anymore. I actually enjoy it more now, than in highschool or even elementary school or may be because I don't have to learn it anymore, just enjoy it, lol."
LOL well, I do now. I only had one good history teacher, the rest of them were not all that - so I used to dislike it a bit.
Exactly, now that we don't have the obligation to really know it...we like it lol.
"Excellent post, lot of interesting facts about Angola, and now I know something."
Thank you for your generosity, darling *bowing*!
"Max, thanks for your always prompt visits. These days I am lost in blogging world - as I have so much to do outside the blogging. So Matthew got his first fever last week which lasted for about 4 days, and he is teething too. But he is fine now...little trooper. At least we know that his immune system is working, and he been fighting well."
You are welcome! You know I love your blogs! Ohhh, poor Matthew :( - I wish him well (I shall pray for him).
Amen for that! :D He is strong!
"Max, you know your blog is looking cool."
Thank you, darling! I still have some stuff to do...but so far I like it! :)
"Thanks again, and I have to dance away now..."
Don't mention it! LOL please do, girl...so, you like to dance, eh? :D
Anna, my dear friend, thank you so much for having dropped by, despite your time constraints - it means a lot *bowing*! All the best to Baby Matt!!
Cheers
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteWow. Angola has such a divers history. I never knew Portugal had it's hand in so many pies.
The flag is interesting. To me it looks like - part cog, guitar neck and a star, almost like an incomplete Q. Looking closer I realize that guitar neck is a machete - yikes.
I also heard that Angola is America’s third largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa and the U.S. has become Angola’s number one investor - which makes me wonder if the U.S. is doing "other things" over there?
Since Angola has also has gold, copper, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite, uranium, bananas, sugarcane, coffee, and tobacco, I can see why everyone wants to usurp their power and land. Those are all such huge industries around the world and all gold mines in themselves.
I was saddened to hear that life expectancy is only 38 (a little higher for women.)
I wish they could just clean up their atrocious human rights record. With all of the abridgment of the rights of citizens to elect officials at all levels; unlawful killings; disappearances; torture; beatings; corruption; impunity; arbitrary arrest; lack of due process; discrimination against women and children, etc. they don't seem to be progressing. (probably because of other puppeteers and profiteers?????)
Thank God that they still have music and dance. It does make a difference to those who feel they have been stripped of everything.
Kizomba has got to be one of the hottest dances. My monitor is blushing.
Another in-depth article on a diverse subject. Thank you Max.
Lots to think about - and thinking of it, we are reminded to count our blessings.
Dance Blessings Cheers.
Yes, thanks Max, love your History lessons!! Videos,as always, way cool, eyecandy,lol.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting about Angola, being the second largest producer of oil as well as a diamond exporter, yet so poor, wonder where the money is going.
The second video looks like some type of restaurant, do they dance in their restaurants or is it a special kind of Pub dance hall?
Hello Max!
ReplyDeleteWe loved learning about Angola. It is a shame that a nation with such resources is still one of the poorest countries in the world.
A nation that is so young and rich should be galvanized to rebuild the country and set the example to its neighbours.
If Angola would set its mind into it, it could become a developed country and a major player in the international scene. Well...many would call this a wishful thinking by alleging that Africans are unable to grasp concepts such as: democracy, freedom of speech, long lasting peace, infrastructures, common good, sustainable development, rule of law and accountability.
The rythm in those videos is frenetic, some of us dared trying some steps LOL LOL LOL!
Congratulations!
Hi Lady A :D!
ReplyDelete"Wow. Angola has such a divers history. I never knew Portugal had it's hand in so many pies."
It does, indeed. LOL LOL It is unbelievable, however true (I loved your expression) *nodding*!
"The flag is interesting. To me it looks like - part cog, guitar neck and a star, almost like an incomplete Q. Looking closer I realize that guitar neck is a machete - yikes."
LOL LOL Girl, your interpretation of the flag is nearly correct...yikes, indeed!
"I also heard that Angola is America’s third largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa and the U.S. has become Angola’s number one investor - which makes me wonder if the U.S. is doing "other things" over there?"
That is why the world puts up with Angola's criminal acts: no hospitals, no schools, censorship, the President's children must have a participation in every investment (foreign or national) otherwise no business for you; corruption (for example, did you know that when you go to the bank to cash..let's say...$900, the clerk will only give you $800? Oh yeah, they will pocket the missing $100; and if you complain, you will be marked for life), no decent infrastructures, no housing system etc...
"Since Angola has also has gold, copper, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite, uranium, bananas, sugarcane, coffee, and tobacco, I can see why everyone wants to usurp their power and land. Those are all such huge industries around the world and all gold mines in themselves."
That's correct. Presently only one family holds the power and land: Dos Santos Family (the President's).
"I was saddened to hear that life expectancy is only 38 (a little higher for women.)"
When a country doesn't have a national health system, it doesn't have hospitals, not even medical centres...when children still die of rabies (unthinkable); when HIV treatments are nearly an utopia (and I am only talking of the most recent shocks, because if I start talking about colera, and other diseases...)...what should we expect?
"I wish they could just clean up their atrocious human rights record. With all of the abridgment of the rights of citizens to elect officials at all levels; unlawful killings; disappearances; torture; beatings; corruption; impunity; arbitrary arrest; lack of due process; discrimination against women and children, etc. they don't seem to be progressing. (probably because of other puppeteers and profiteers?????)"
Now you said it all! But let me tell you one thing: if Angola wished to clean up their record, they'd have to start by straightening up its leader *nodding*. His wife went to spend holidays in Brazil: she rented a jumbo plane (for her and for her children), she stayed in the best hotels there and when she checked out she gave $5,000 tips to her suite-room servants...can you imagine that? And back home she had Angolan citizens dying of colera, in the streets, because there weren't enough medical tents (since they don't have hospitals) to stay in and be treated...
"Thank God that they still have music and dance. It does make a difference to those who feel they have been stripped of everything."
Halleluiah for it!! Yes, it does make a difference. And it is a way of keeping their minds off things.
"Kizomba has got to be one of the hottest dances. My monitor is blushing."
It is!! Oh man...I love it, I love dancing it! LOL LOL Good thing your monitor doesn't have stomach lining though LOL....
"Another in-depth article on a diverse subject. Thank you Max."
You are most welcome, Lady A *bowing*!
"Lots to think about - and thinking of it, we are reminded to count our blessings."
Amen!
Lady A, thank you so very much for one amazing comment, you know how much I love our intellectual interaction *bowing*!
We are Blessed Cheers
Hey Bob :D!
ReplyDelete"Yes, thanks Max, love your History lessons!! Videos,as always, way cool, eyecandy,lol."
You are welcome, Lord of the Astropics *bowing*! LOL LOL eyecandy, eh?
"Very interesting about Angola, being the second largest producer of oil as well as a diamond exporter, yet so poor, wonder where the money is going."
The money is going where it wasn't supposed to be going...*nodding*. It is a crime what its leader does to the citizens of Angola.
"The second video looks like some type of restaurant, do they dance in their restaurants or is it a special kind of Pub dance hall?"
Oh, I think it is a bar in Lisbon...I am not sure (it could be Porto); but it is definitely Portugal.
Yeah, we dance wherever there is good music LOL...even in parking lots, with our cars pumping that sweet sound lol.
However, in Angola, there are Pub dance halls (as you said) where they dance (I will see if I manage to find a video of that), they have these resorts for the rich that are quite something.
Bob, thank you so much for your comment...always so encouraging :D!
Cheers
Hi Circulus Ciceronis :D!
ReplyDelete"We loved learning about Angola. It is a shame that a nation with such resources is still one of the poorest countries in the world."
I am glad you guys loved it :D! It is, isn't it? And what annoys me is that they don't even try to hide it, you know? They are so blunt in their corruption that it hurts.
"A nation that is so young and rich should be galvanized to rebuild the country and set the example to its neighbours.
If Angola would set its mind into it, it could become a developed country and a major player in the international scene."
I agree with you. Absolutely, there is no doubt about it. However, to be a major player in the international scene its leader would have to share Angola's wealth with its people, and he doesn't seem interested in doing that - so, he prefers to have his country looking like a trash can. I wonder if this man has any pride?
"Well...many would call this a wishful thinking by alleging that Africans are unable to grasp concepts such as: democracy, freedom of speech, long lasting peace, infrastructures, common good, sustainable development, rule of law and accountability."
Well, Africans give people enough reasons for them to be doubtful of their ability to grasp these concepts, don't they? Can you believe it that some Africans even find themselves wishing that their countries would be colonised again?
"The rythm in those videos is frenetic, some of us dared trying some steps LOL LOL LOL!"
Oh yeah...it is bloody awesome! LOL LOL you have? LOL LOL...that must have been quite a sight LOL...
"Congratulations!"
Thank you *bowing*!
C.C. thank you ever so much for this superb comment (as always) *bowing*!
Cheers
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteThe Dos Santos family has a LOT of power.
That's awful. No schools, no hospitals, corrupt bank employees etc.
I heard that the police over there are so corrupt that an officer who was trying to extort money from a woman killed her two year old son when she refused to give money to him.
The corruption runs deep throughout the veins of that country and unfortunately so does blood.
Thank you for enligtening me on what is happening. The more we know, the more we can see.
We are blessed - and I never forget the blessing of life.
Life Cheers.
Hi Max! Every time I come here, my eyes are opened to something new. Thank you for that!
ReplyDeleteThis post is just on of many that displays your compassion and willingness to tell us what it’s really like in this world.
I recoiled in horror when I looked into the matter of slavery going on today.
Apparently there are some 27 million people, with that figure going as high as 200 million, who worked in slavery in 2007 according to a group linked to the Anti-Slavery International.
God only knows what the figures are now. Again, thank you!
Take Care,
Peter
Hello Lady A!
ReplyDelete"The Dos Santos family has a LOT of power."
So they seem to have...
"I heard that the police over there are so corrupt that an officer who was trying to extort money from a woman killed her two year old son when she refused to give money to him."
You heard well...girl, you are well informed: impressed I am *bowing*!
"The corruption runs deep throughout the veins of that country and unfortunately so does blood."
Well said, and true!
"Thank you for enligtening me on what is happening. The more we know, the more we can see."
No, no, no....thank YOU for having added info to my database *bowing*! I agree with you!
"We are blessed - and I never forget the blessing of life."
Amen!
Life & Respect for Life Cheers
Hi Peter! :D
ReplyDelete"Every time I come here, my eyes are opened to something new. Thank you for that!"
That is such a nice thing to say: thank you and you are welcome, mate :D!
"This post is just on of many that displays your compassion and willingness to tell us what it’s really like in this world."
It is my way of doing a simple awareness campaign, I guess, Pete. I am a bit fatigued of disrespect for Human Life *nodding*.
"I recoiled in horror when I looked into the matter of slavery going on today."
So do I...and to think that there are people saying that slavery is over; can you believe it?
"Apparently there are some 27 million people, with that figure going as high as 200 million, who worked in slavery in 2007 according to a group linked to the Anti-Slavery International."
Shocking, isn't it? *nodding*...
"God only knows what the figures are now. Again, thank you!"
So true. You are most welcome, Peter!
Thank you ever so much for your most valuable input, Peter *bowing*!
Cheers
Hola Max! tanto tiempo. he estado trabajando en el sitio. la nueva dirección es: www.rh-arteymundo.com.ar , la página está totalmente cambiada. y está el artículo tuyo sobre satanás. No he implementado aún una sección para comentarios o un foro para hablar. mi e-mail es ciudadcultura1@hotmail.com . saludos!!!
ReplyDeleteMax, sorry I'm late in getting here.
ReplyDeleteAgain, you have shared part of history with us, that many of us are ignorant about. I really know nothing about the history of Angola.
A dubious honor, to be in the thicket of human oppression over slavery and diamonds.
History is so complicated, with so many stories interwined.
I liked the videos. Great footwork and hip-sway, and very erotic. I look at them as a celebration of rhythm, sexuality, and the masculine and feminine principle.
I missed talking to you this week, my dear Max!
Insight into a given culture comes form different sources. Personal experience enables truth to be felt.
ReplyDeletehey Max,
ReplyDeleteI, also, never knew that Portugal was any way involved with Angola. Another interesting history lesson. You lessons are short, to the point and the videos brings them to life.
BTW, I never knew you spoke French. What other languages do you speak besides English, Portuguese, Spanish and French (for anyone reading this, this has nothing to do with Angola)?
Hi, Max! Something for you here ;o)
ReplyDeletehttp://onlyinsilence.com/2009/03/07/busy-schedule-and-an-award-to-go-with-that/
Each time I read the words ¨civil war¨, I think of the Guns And Roses song: ¨what´s so civil about a war, anyway?¨.
ReplyDeleteIt´s good to read about Angola, a nation almost forgotten here... Sadly.
Ps: Went to Praia Mocambique today. Thought of you ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow!! Thanks for sharing Angola with us!! It is so sad that the President has all power and the people none!! We loved the dancing videos!! Very entertaining!
ReplyDeleteYour FL furiends,
Hola Fernandito :D!
ReplyDeleteComo andas?
"he estado trabajando en el sitio. la nueva dirección es: www.rh-arteymundo.com.ar , la página está totalmente cambiada. y está el artículo tuyo sobre satanás."
Verdad? Buenas noticias, entonces :D! Aaah, es muy generoso, Proto: gracías! Haré una visita a la revista hoy, sin falta!
"No he implementado aún una sección para comentarios o un foro para hablar. mi e-mail es ciudadcultura1@hotmail.com . saludos!!!"
Comprendo...aaah tu email...dejame anotarlo...pronto, gracías amigo :D! Así podremos hablar mejor!
Saludos y hasta pronto
Hey Lynda :D!
ReplyDelete"Max, sorry I'm late in getting here."
It is never too late to get here!! You came at the perfect time :D!
"A dubious honor, to be in the thicket of human oppression over slavery and diamonds."
So true, my friend, so true!
"I liked the videos. Great footwork and hip-sway, and very erotic. I look at them as a celebration of rhythm, sexuality, and the masculine and feminine principle."
lol indeed they are erotic. It is an erotic dance...there is a dance teacher, here in Portugal, who says that he fell in love with Kizomba because it seems like people are making love while dancing! Can you imagine? LOL...
Absolutely: that is exactly what any African dance does...it celebrates that masculine and feminine principle and sexuality :D!
"I missed talking to you this week, my dear Max!"
So did I, darling :D! Let's see if we can make it up this week!
Lynda, thank you so much for having dropped by and shared your views with us :D!
Cheers
Hey Liara :D!
ReplyDelete"Personal experience enables truth to be felt."
True, so very true...darling!
Liara, thank you ever so much for having shared your thoughts with us! Always a pleasure :D
Cheers
Hey Mel!
ReplyDelete"I, also, never knew that Portugal was any way involved with Angola. Another interesting history lesson. You lessons are short, to the point and the videos brings them to life."
Thank you, buddy :D! I am glad you liked it!
"BTW, I never knew you spoke French. What other languages do you speak besides English, Portuguese, Spanish and French (for anyone reading this, this has nothing to do with Angola)?"
I never told you? I also speak Italian and a tiny bit of Cape Verdean kriole.
Mel, thank you so much for having dropped by and brought your light to MAX :D!
Cheers
Hey Abelle :D!
ReplyDeleteThank you, darling! I loved it!! And thanks for your kind words *bowing*!
Cheers
Salut Zhu :D!
ReplyDelete"Each time I read the words ¨civil war¨, I think of the Guns And Roses song: ¨what´s so civil about a war, anyway?¨."
I know that song! I used to listen to Guns N Roses many moons ago...
"It´s good to read about Angola, a nation almost forgotten here... Sadly."
Indeed...
Zhu, thanks for sharing your views on this subject :D!
Cheers
Zhu,
ReplyDeleteYou went to Praia Moçambique? Awww, so sweet...*hug*!
Obrigada, Zhu!!
Beijos
Hi Samantha & Mr. Tiger :D!
ReplyDelete"Wow!! Thanks for sharing Angola with us!! It is so sad that the President has all power and the people none!! We loved the dancing videos!! Very entertaining!"
You are welcome, darling! It is sad, isn't it?
Ah, I am so glad you loved the videos! They are great!
Samantha and Mr. T, thank you so much for having dropped by, I loved having you guys here :D!
Cheers
Hey max,
ReplyDeleteGreat site!
I enjoyed it,
Thanks.
John
Hey John :D!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the MAX!!
"Great site! I enjoyed it, Thanks."
Thank YOU *bowing*!
It was great to have you here; I hope you do return!
Cheers