The city and province of Maputo literally stopped to say goodbye to rapper and social activist Edson da Luz, or simply Azagaia.
First thing in the morning, thousands of people from all walks of life gathered at the City Council Chambers in Maputo to witness Azagaia's last performance.
Outside, Independence Square was too small to accommodate all the people present to pay tribute to the musician.
In a wake that lasted just over three hours and was led by Bishop Emeritus Dom Dinis Sengulane, there were spaces for messages to be read by various civil society organizations and representatives of political parties.
On the occasion, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Edelvina Materula, said during the wake that the social intervention artist's legacy is the preservation of arts and culture as factors of social cohesion, valuing national unity, solidarity and peace as determinants for the development of our Mozambique.
"Recognizing the importance of correlation in the process of creation and cultural production, Azagaia has shared his knowledge with musicians of all generations from country and with artists from other parts of the world, which is witnessed by the tributes and messages addressed particularly to the family, to Mozambican artists and to society as a whole," she said.
Around him, the teacher and social activist Adriano Nuvunga said in his speech that Azagaia was a legend that inspires many young people. He described Azagaia as a man of courage who fought for social causes.
And it was in the midst of tears that the family said their last words praising the life and work of the artist and social activist.
"Brother Edson, you were cheerful, intelligent and affectionate. The pain we feel is only eased by the beautiful words and memories we feel and hold in our hearts," said one of the sisters, visibly moved.
An emotion that was also felt by his daughters, who already miss their father. From both came messages about an incredible, intelligent and caring father. They said, "Dad has earned the respect and admiration of everyone, not just us family members, but also the Mozambican people." With tears streaming down their faces.
During the journey to the cemetery along some of Maputo's streets, the urn containing the artist's remains was accompanied by thousands of people who described Azagaia as a hero of the people.
However, the route taken led to some confusion between the police and the people following the vehicle containing the urn, a situation that forced the intervention of Edson da Luz's widow, accompanied by her daughters and relatives, who pleaded with the police to let the procession continue. The urn had to follow another route suggested by the police.
At the cemetery in Michafutene, in the Marracuene district, the urn was greeted by a large crowd. People wanted to pay their last respects to the musician. The ceremony took place an hour later than scheduled.
Azagaia, one of Mozambique's most influential rappers, lost his life last Thursday at the age of 38 at his home in the Kongolote neighborhood.
Azagaia made a name for himself in music with a style of social and political intervention. Among the songs considered controversial are "As mentiras da verdade" and "A marcha", the latter of which broke sales records.
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