The Wanderer Songs collective emerged from a vibrant international musical initiative on Faial Island in the Azores this past April. Spearheaded by musical director Tiago Correia-Paulo, the project unites prominent Portuguese singer-songwriters to celebrate the legacy of José ‘Zeca’ Afonso, a towering figure in Portugal’s artistic and political landscape during the latter half of the 20th century.
The gathering served as a preparatory phase for a special performance marking the 50th anniversary of the Portuguese Revolution, which coincided with the release of Afonso’s complete 1983 concert at the Lisbon Coliseu. This powerful tribute, paying homage to Afonso’s life and the lasting resonance of his work, is set to be presented in Canada for the first time. Canada boasts a Luso-Canadian community exceeding half a million, representing one of the most significant Portuguese diasporas globally.
“José Afonso was an activist who openly never joined any political party but instead dedicated himself to defending the rule of the people by the people through positive actions, community empowerment, and song,” said PS Lucas, one of the many artists from Portugal and beyond who came together during the 14-day residency. Lucas highlighted Afonso’s relevance, recounting how “Afonso’s ‘Grândola Vila Morena’ was played on the radio as a call sign for the army to hit the streets in the early hours of April 25th, 1974, effectively ending the fascist dictatorship in Portugal. One man’s passion and determination helped shape the country Portugal is today.”
The Faial residency culminated in a performance, which has been captured in a documentary film, concert film, and live recording. The collective features Tiago Correia-Paulo alongside artists like Azorian neo-folk singer-songwriter PS Lucas, folk duo Lavoisier, Selma Uamusse, and Nacho Vegas. Augusto Macedo and Diogo Sousa anchor the rhythm section, while artistic director Nástio Mosquito delivers a spoken word rendition of Afonso’s “Utopia,” with video art by Mosquito and Vic Pereiró enhancing the live experience. Their exquisite live album, *Ao Vivo no Teatro Faialense*, was released on January 23, while a studio single for “Venham Mais Cinco” was recorded by Nelson Canoa and mixed in London.
“Andarilhar,” a documentary chronicling the making of Wanderer Songs by Abel Rosa, will premiere in North America on February 26 during the concluding night of the *Celebração: Discover The Sounds of Portugal* music and film festival at the Lighthouse ArtSpace. The festival runs from February 14-26 and will feature a closing performance by PS Lucas and Lavoisier. In tandem, the upcoming Folk Alliance International conference, taking place from February 19-23 in Montreal, will spotlight Afonso’s life and influence, with attendees invited to explore the Mais 5 Showcase Room. This space will offer information on the vinyl LP re-issues of Afonso’s works, recently made available internationally by the Mais 5 label, dedicated to preserving his artistic contributions.
José Afonso remains one of Portugal’s most significant cultural icons, whose early recordings in the 1950s represented one of the most brilliant voices of Fado de Coimbra. By the 1970s, he had transformed into a beacon of hope and resistance, particularly through his poignant lyrics during a tumultuous time for Portugal. His prolific output, encompassing 13 LPs from 1968 to 1985, showcases a continuous evolution within the Portuguese folk music scene. His last concert, recorded at the Coliseu in 1983, was released posthumously, shortly before his passing in 1987. Afonso’s “Grandola Vila Morena” became synonymous with the revolution, a testament to the timeless relevance of his music and the enduring spirit of activism it embodies.
The recent release of “Coro da Primavera” as a single on April 25, 2021, opened a new chapter in the rediscovery of his work for a new generation.