About
Moreira has matured into one of the top African exponents of jazz from Africa, African jazz or do we create a new genre style and classify it Afro World Jazz! …Moreira has taken his journey along with his collaborators to the world and proves that he is a leader and an innovator in the ever expanding and growing world of jazz music” – Eric Alan: All Jazz Radio
Biography
Mozambican jazz-saxophonist, composer, producer, academic and philanthropist, Moreira Chonguiçais feted as one of the finest exponents of innovative and original jazz from Africa.
As an independent artist with seven award-winning, globally informed and celebrated albums – he is blazing a trail from his east-African roots to the world.
Exposed to and inspired by the likes of Miles Davis, Fela Kuti, Percy Sledge and Manu Dibango, Moreira’s energetic contemporary rhythmic compositions have garnered applauses across all six continents.
His unique sound, technical agility and ingenuity on the alto and soprano saxophone, coupled with passionate stage performance captivates audiences universally.
PHILANTHROPY
Moreira Chonguica has always believed that for him to grow as a person and a musician it is essential to give back and he does that in abundance. He gives of his time, influence and status to highlight and bring awareness to the areas he is passionate about, namely education, youth development and cultural tourism. In order to maximise the potential his influence affords, he deliberately chooses to invest his time and skills into multiple areas dedicated to the upliftment in the these sectors.
MOREIRA CHONGUIÇA FOUNDATION: CULTURAL EXODUS project
The project, spearheaded by celebrated jazz saxophonist and ethnomusicologist Moreira Chonguiça, through his Moreira Chonguiça Foundation seeks to empower and uplift Mozambican youth, particularly those in Cabo Delgado affected by terrorism.
Combining extensive research in ethnomusicology with a collaborative approach involving specialists in communication and digital platforms, the initiative aims to use music as a powerful tool for post-trauma therapy, entrepreneurship, and cultural integration. Through strategic partnerships, educational programs, and the establishment of The More Jazz Big Band, the project strives to instill values, skills, and a sense of cultural pride in the youth, ultimately fostering resilience and creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. The emphasis on participatory methodologies, local languages, and the utilization of indigenous knowledge reflects a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to address the psychosocial challenges faced by the target audience.
Moreira Chonguiça is affiliated with the following organisations
- Patron and founder of Morejazz Big Band, Maputo, Mozambique
- Patron of Escola Nacionale de Musica, Maputo, Mozambique
- Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
- Institute of Arts and Culture, Maputo, Mozambique
- Music Exchange, Cape Town, South Africa
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
2024
Awarded KNIGHT OF THE ORDER OF ARTS AND LETTERS by the French Government for his significant contribution to the enrichment and promotion of cultural exchange between Mozambique and France.
2023
Received SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC AWARD – Rest of Africa Award for his 8th album SOUNDS OF PEACE released in 2022.
2023
Awarded Mtzantsi Jazz Award for Best International Album/Artist at a ceremony in Soweto, Johannesburg in August 2023.
2022
Invited by the US government to attend and partake in a panel discussion at the US-Africa Leadership Summit in Washington DC in December 2022.
2021
Awarded a COMMENDATION from the Government of Japan for the Promotion of Mutual understanding between Japan and Mozambique.
2021
Appointed President of the Portfolio of Creative Industries and Culture for the CTA (Business Federation of Mozambique).
2020
Invited to partake in the Global International Jazz Day concert on 30 April in Cape Town that was cancelled due to Covid19.
2019
Presented with the Medal of Merit: Arts and Letters from the Governor of City of Maputo on behalf of the Mozambican Government for his contribution to this field in Mozambique.
2019
Invited by UNESCO to attend the International Jazz Day celebrations in Addis Ababa including performing with Dr Mulatu Astatke and the opening of the conference on World Press Freedom Day at the African Union Headquarters.
2018
Appointed as a member of the Kenjin-Tatsujin International Advisory Council representing Moçambique by Ashinaga, Japan. The purpose of the Ashinaga initiative is to provide education to orphaned African children.
2018
Official opening of VIVO by Moreira Chonguiça – signature venue within the Radisson Blu, Maputo, Mozambique.
2018
Appointed by the province of Cabo Delgado as Patron of Cultural Tourism as a promoter for investment.
2017
The album “MP RELOADED” nominated by JPF (JUST PLAIN FOLKS) for an award in the category BEST AFRICAN ALBUM and songs ASHANTI 2 RELOADED and OTUPAM are nominated in the BEST AFRICAN SONG category
2017
The album “M&M: Moreira Chonguica and Manu Dibango” nominated for an AFRIMA (All African Music Award) in the category BEST ARTISTE IN JAZZ
2016
Awarded the ORDER OF MERIT by His Excellency, Dr Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal for his contribution to jazz music in Mozambique
2016
The album “LIVE AT THE POLANA SERENA HOTEL” nominated by AFRIMA (All African Music Awards) in the category BEST ARTISTE IN JAZZ
2016/2015
Awarded SUPERBRAND status – the first individual in Mozambique and Africa to be recognized as a brand
2014
Voted CULTURAL PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR by the journalists of Mozambique’s largest daily paper, Noticias
2013
Awarded SEAL OF MOZAMBIQUE – the first individual in the country to be presented with this accolade
2011
The album “Khanimambo” was nominated for two South African Music Awards
2009
Voted as CULTURAL PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR by Radio Mozambique
2009
The album “Vol 2: Citizen of the World” was nominated for three South African Music Awards eventually winning for BEST CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ALBUM and BEST ALBUM PACKAGING
2009
Nominated for an Independent Music Award
2009
Included in the list of BEST OF 2009 by Jornal Noticias
2007
The album “Vol 1:The Journey” was nominated for three South African Music Awards, winning one for BEST PRODUCER with co-producer Mark Fransman
2002
Runner up in the Adcock Ingram Jazz Competition run by University of Cape Town
2000
Chosen by City of Chicago to be part of the Cultural Exchange Programme co-ordinated by Ernest Dawkins
REVIEWS
Gwen Ansell blog Click to View
Tribune L’Artiste – Jean Jacque Dikonge Click to View
Pan African Music Click to View
BizCommunity – Martin Myers
4vesreporter.com Click to View
Songlines Click to View
JazzFuel Click to View
Lira Magazine (Swedish) Click to View
Airlink Skyways Click to View
Facebook Post – John Armstrong Click to View
Djolo.net – French Music Blog Click to View
Tribune2Lartiste Click to View
Songlines Click to View
Debbie Burke Click to View
Djolo Click to View
Cape Times Click to View
Sunday Independent Click to View
Obrigado, Miles Keylock Click to View
Various Publications Click to View
Eric Alan Review Click to View
Miles Keylock (Channel24) Click to View
Woodrow Wilkins Review Click to View
Obrigado Issue 5 Click to View
JazzTimes Click to View