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The political struggles of southern Africa are viewed through peaceful and romantic eyes by Zaire-born, Angola-raised and Portugal-based singer/songwriter Waldemar Bastos. Despite spending his childhood under the oppression of colonialism, Bastos discovered music was a potent outlet for his optimistic vision.
Bastos' musical aptitude was evident at an early age. Shortly after his seventh birthday, his father, an itinerant nurse who played piano and organ, came home to find him playing songs on an accordion. When his parents gave him a choice between a bicycle and music lessons as a Christmas gift, he chose the lessons. Although he didn't learn to read music, it was discovered that he had a natural talent for music and could play intricate pieces by ear. Bastos was exposed to a wide variety of musical styles as he traveled with his parents, who were both nurses. Although his music has retained its roots in African guitar pop, his arrangements incorporate influences of Brazilian and Portuguese music.
In 1982, Bastos defected from Angola and lived temporarily in Brazil, where he recorded his debut album, Estamos Juntos. Following a short period in Paris, he relocated to Portugal, where he continues to reside. |
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