Imaculada Matangala (Victoria Vick)
Born on December 9, 1996, in Maputo, Mozambique, Imaculada Matangala—affectionately known as Victoria Vick—is a dedicated dancer and dance teacher celebrated for her grace, strength, and commitment to the art of movement.
Her journey in dance began in 2006 with Associação Kindlimuka, where she was first introduced to traditional Mozambican dance. Just a year later, she was invited to join Associação Cultural Wuchene, where she had the privilege of learning from esteemed teachers Mario David Macuvele, Manuel José Manhiça, and Eugênio Macuvel Júnior.
Since then, Vick has built an inspiring and consistent career. For over 12 years, she has been a vital member of Associação Cultural Hodi Maputo Afro Swing MZ, where she also serves as a dance instructor and was recently elected president of the organization.
Education & Training
In addition to her artistic training, Victoria Vick holds a qualification in Cultural Management from ISArC (Instituto Superior de Artes e Cultura). This education was part of the project “Culture, Knowledge, and New Technologies in the Service of Global Justice,” implemented by CESAL in partnership with Ntsindya – Municipal Cultural Center and Kandlelo.
Eugênio Macuvel
Eugênio Macuvel is a renowned Mozambican choreographer and the ex-Artistic Director of Hodi Maputo Afro Swing, a role he has held since the company’s founding in 2014. His journey in dance began early—by age 12, he co-founded Crianças da Paz (Children of Peace) with the Manhiça twins, and at just 14, he became the lead choreographer for Wuchene.
Eugênio’s deep commitment to nurturing young talent led him to establish Wuchene Junior, a platform that has trained many of the current dancers in Hodi Maputo Afro Swing. Known for his dynamic and large-scale choreography, he has staged performances with over 50 dancers and contributed to numerous artistic productions both locally and internationally.
His work has taken him across the globe, with performances and choreography featured in South Africa, Sweden, China, Belgium, Denmark, Ivory Coast, France, Germany, The Netherlands, and Brazil. A passionate educator and cultural ambassador, Eugênio has taught and collaborated at prestigious dance festivals worldwide, working alongside acclaimed artists such as Fredrik Dalberg, Chester A. Whitmore, Remi Kouakou Kouame, Marie N’diaye, Valerie Salstrom, Angela Andrew, Lisa Josefsson, Mickey Davidson, Felix Berghall, and many others.
Rooted in Mozambican tradition and energized by global influences, Eugênio Macuvel continues to inspire through his artistry, mentorship, and dedication to the transformative power of dance.
Timoteo Djambo
I entered the world of dance at a very young age—a universe that captivated me from childhood. Later, I was naturally drawn into music as well, inspired by my great friend Afromingo Francisco, a versatile artist deeply rooted in the traditional sounds of Sofala and Zimbabwe.
Together, we became part of Banda Dhakala, which at the time was made up of:
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Zemass Musico Musico (guitar)
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Dito Dito Filipe Filipe (drums)
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Pararanhe (guitar)
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Alveres Mazembe Ricardo Ricardo (guitar – may he rest in peace)
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Afromingo (vocalist and dancer)
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Mabae (vocalist)
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Ernesto João (backing vocals and dancer)
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Timóteo Gabriel Djambo (backing vocals and dancer)
Banda Dhakala accompanied several renowned artists from the city of Beira, including the late Cota Gil Pinto. One particularly memorable moment was the debut of young Puto Mabae, who, at just 10 years old, captured the hearts of the people of Sofala—especially the Beira community—with his voice and stage presence.
Later, I left the city of Beira in search of new opportunities and settled in Maputo. Yet the passion for traditional dance and music never left me—it continued to grow, and I carried it forward.
In time, other fellow artists also made their way from Beira to Maputo. Our paths crossed again, and with it came the merging of dreams, talents, and purpose. Among them were Durmane Assane Assane Rachide, Filipe Cabral, Freitas Nuvunga, and Antonio Gabriel Jambo Jambo.
It was then that, alongside these and other colleagues, we founded Capta.Mz (Companhia de Artes Performativas Tafika)—a collective space to express our art, culture, and identity.
In the end, it’s not about fame or big stages. It’s about passion. Passion for this movement that lives within us—dance, music, and culture that unite us and keep us moving forwar.
Agnes Jantini
Began her journey in dance at the age of 7. Her artistic path started with the organization Continuadores de Moçambique, where she met her greatest source of inspiration, teacher Ivone Mahumane.
In 2009, she was invited to join the Grupo Estudantil de Canto e Dança, where she had the honor of performing choreographies by the renowned CNCD choreographer, Ms. Pérola Jaime.
Two years later, in 2011, Agnes became a member of the Associação Cultural Hodi Maputo Afro Swing MZ. That same year, she performed as a dancer in the main show of a major collaboration between Hodi Maputo Afro Swing and Sweden’s Harlem Hot Shots.
In 2014, she danced in the first-ever Afro Swing Festival, organized by Hodi Maputo Afro Swing.
Specializing in both traditional and modern Mozambican dance styles, Agnes draws inspiration from respected artists such as Cláudia Vasco, Mário Macuvel, Sandra, Eugénio Macuvel, and Jeremias Parruque. Throughout her career, she has accompanied many performers at a variety of events, always honoring and celebrating Mozambican culture through dance.
#Masx24 #TraditionalDancesOfMozambique #Africa #Mozambique #PontaDeOuro #HodiMaputoAfroSwing #CompanhiaHodi #BandaHodi #MakwaelaHodi #CoralHodi
Smile Trio
Smile Trio is a vibrant and visionary artistic group that has been using dance and music as instruments of transformation and universal communication since 2003. With a mission to inspire, educate, and connect across borders, the trio has dedicated over 15 years to celebrating cultural identity while embracing global diversity.
Throughout their journey, Smile Trio has participated in numerous prestigious festivals and cultural events around the world, performing and teaching in countries such as:
China, South Africa, Brazil, Belgium, United States, United Arab Emirates, France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Ivory Coast, Eswatini, and many more.
Their work blends traditional and contemporary artistic expressions, showcasing the richness of African heritage while incorporating modern rhythms and movements. Smile Trio is known for its powerful stage presence, engaging performances, and ability to connect deeply with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
More than just performers, the members of Smile Trio are cultural ambassadors, using their art to promote dialogue, unity, and change through workshops, collaborations, and cross-cultural exchanges.
Osvaldo Passirivo
Osvaldo Passirivo, from Maputo, Mozambique, is a dancer and choreographer who began his career in 2002. He has participated in numerous national and international festivals and projects as performer, choreographer, and assistant choreographer.
He collaborated in Resgate (Milorho, Maputo/Helsinki, 2011), Xithukulumukumba (Idio Chichava, 2009), Smile if you can (Horácio Macuácua, presented in Mozambique, Poland, Spain, Portugal), Comum (Artes na Rua, 2012/2014), Ele & Ela (Macário Tomé, 2014), and experimental projects with PADE. With the Milorho Song and Dance Group (since 2006), he created and performed works like Encontros (2010/2014), cultural exchanges in Brazil (São Paulo, Manaus, Boa Vista, Roraima, 2010/2011), Go in Out (2012/2014), Electro Dance Enclave (Granada, 2013), and Jam na Rua (Maputo).
He was choreographer at the Sapo Carnival (2014), Saspen Conference (Johannesburg, 2014/2015), and jury/choreographer at the Festival do Batuque (2011–2021). Other highlights include Crenças and Mulher da Noite (2017/2018), Feijoada Sexual (2019), Solo Aparência (2019), RIR PALOPs (2019), residency with Cia Deborah Colker (Brazil, 2019), Theka (Horácio Macuácua & Idio Chichava, Mozambique 2017 / Germany 2018), Mafalala (Panaibra Canda, 20 Years of Culturarte Tour), Há Mais (Thomas Hearty), and Sentido Único (Idio Chichava, Museu d’Orsay, Paris 2024).
He collaborated with artists such as Pak Ndjamena, Domingos Bie, Janeth Mulapa, Rubens Oliveira, Antonio Sitoi, May Juli Machado, Yuck Miranda, Edna Jaime, and many others. He took part in workshops and residencies in Mozambique, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and Germany, including Upload the Rhythm (Idio Chichava, 2020–2022), Itinerários (Lisbon, 2022), Tremuria Project (Porto, 2024), and Easter Dance Week (Guimarães, 2024).
His international tours include Vagabundus (Idio Chichava, since 2022, Bulgaria, Brussels, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Brazil), Bantu (Victor Hugo Pontes, Portugal/Europe 2023–2024), and Rite of Spring (Converge+ & LADanceProject, Paris Philharmonie and Budapest MUPA, 2025).
Currently, Osvaldo is Artistic Director, teacher, and dancer at Milorho, a board member of the Mozambican Dancers Association, and in 2025 is Artist-in-Residence at the Franco-Mozambican Cultural Center with his project Why.
Vasco António Sitoe
Vasco António Sitoe (1995) is a Mozambican dancer and choreographer, with a focus on cultural creation and work with children. His passion for dance began in 2007 with the group Xilhamalisso, an experience that marked the beginning of his artistic journey.
He is a founding member of the Hodi Cultural Association, a collective dedicated to promoting Mozambican traditional dance and music. Throughout his career, Vasco has collaborated in several works by renowned choreographers such as Lulu Sala, Horácio Macuácua, Ídio Chichava, and Pak Ndjamena, consolidating his presence in both the national and international artistic scene.
His trajectory includes participation in important festivals and programs, such as:
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Kinani Festival (Maputo)
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MASA – Marché des Arts du Spectacle Africain (Ivory Coast)
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Festival Forman (Germany)
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Impulstanz (Vienna)
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Afrovibes (Amsterdam)
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One Week Dance Festival (Bulgaria)
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Itinerários 2022 (Lisbon and Barcelona)
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Soflle (Réunion Island, 2023)
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Bienal Dance La’Frik – Kinani Festival (Maputo, 2023)
As a creator, he premiered the piece “Kundlala” in 2024 at 16Neto (Maputo) and, in 2025, presented his work “Escalar” at FFLC (Maputo).
Currently, he is on a European tour with the performance “Vagabundus”, by Ídio Chichava, with shows in countries such as France (Paris), Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, among others, during 2024–2026.
Videira Janete Guivanga
Videira Janete Guivanga (born April 9, 2001) is a Mozambican dancer and performing artist, driven by passion and dedication. His artistic journey is marked by commitment, creativity, and a constant search for new experiences.
He began his career in 2013 at the Wuchene Cultural Association, where he discovered and strengthened his love for dance. There, he deepened his knowledge of Mozambican traditional dances while exploring other styles, gaining valuable stage experience. In 2015, he started participating regularly in municipal batuque festivals organized by the Maputo City Council.
In 2017, he joined the Hodi Maputo Afro Swing Cultural Association, continuing his artistic growth under the guidance of choreographer Eugénio Macuvel. That same year, he performed at the International Festival MASX Enchenger and took part in a commercial campaign for Matissana Water.
Over the years, Videira expanded his artistic language by engaging in major artistic platforms. In 2023, he participated in contemporary dance workshops at the Kinani Festival, one of the most important contemporary dance events in Mozambique. In 2024, he took part in two major international events: the Swatine Festival and the International Festival of India, in collaboration with the Ungassoly Association in Surrakadje.
In 2025, he attended an intensive training program for traditional dancers in a contemporary context, working with renowned choreographers such as Pak Djaman, Janete Mulapha, Horácio Macuacua, Quito Tambe, and Idio Chichava. That same year, he was invited to perform at the National Festival of Tete, further consolidating his presence in Mozambique’s artistic scene.
Today, Videira Janete Guivanga continues to shape his path as a dancer, sharing his energy, passion, and talent both within Mozambique and abroad, proudly carrying the richness of his cultural roots and the strength of his artistic expression.
Irónia Guilengue
Irónia José Guilengue is a dynamic young talent with a deep passion for dance and life. Her journey in dance began in 2014, sparking what would become one of her greatest lifelong passions.
In 2017, her dedication and talent were recognized when she received a Certificate of Merit as the Best Dancer from the cultural association Hodi Afro Swing. That same year, she earned a Diploma for her participation in the prestigious Herräng Dance Camp in Sweden.
Irónia expanded her artistic reach in 2019 by teaching Lindy-hop at the Mozambique Afro Swing Exchange festival competition. That year also marked the beginning of her teaching career, starting as an assistant dance instructor.
Currently, she teaches Lindy-hop at Dance Spot and is set to teach both Afro Dance and Lindy-hop at Willow in 2024. In addition to her dance career, Irónia is also a nail designer and a university student pursuing a degree in Management—demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and multifaceted talents.
Moisés Buduie
Percussionist | Multidisciplinary Artist | Musical Director
Born and raised in Maputo, Mozambique, Moisés Buduie is a percussionist and multidisciplinary artist whose career has been shaped by dedication, versatility, and a deep commitment to promoting Mozambican culture.
His artistic journey began in 2009, during his childhood, as a member of the cultural group at Polana Caniço “A” Complete Primary School. In 2010, he continued his artistic development by joining the cultural group of the Continuadores de Moçambique, where he stood out as a dancer.
In 2012, he joined the group Paz e Progresso, where he discovered his true passion for music — marking the beginning of an intense journey of musical growth and exploration.
In 2018, he joined Hodi Júnior, deepening his connection with the performing arts and collaborating with several renowned cultural associations, such as Milorho, Wuchene, Comunithiv, and Ungassolly.
In 2019, he took a significant step by enrolling at the Xiquitsi School of Music, where he received technical training in percussion under the guidance of professors Lucas Macuacha and Cheny wa Gune. During this time, he also joined the Mono Company, broadening his experience in the world of contemporary performance.
That same year, he participated in the prestigious cultural exchange project Tuku Pamoja, which offered him enriching experiences and exchanges with artists from different cultural backgrounds.
Since 2019, Moisés Buduie has been an active member of the Hodi Maputo Afro Swing company, where he performs as a musician. In 2025, he assumed the role of Musical Director of the company, solidifying his position as a key figure in the national arts scene.
With a steadily rising career, Moisés is now recognized for his creativity, mastery of percussion, and ability to navigate various artistic languages — blending tradition, innovation, and identity.
José Carlos Cossa (Sussekane)
José Carlos Cossa, known artistically as Sussekane, is a Mozambican musician, percussionist, and drummer. He was born on November 29, 1999, in Maputo, the son of Carlos José Cossa and Ana Francisco Jovo.
Sussekane is known as a pioneer of traditional Mozambican rhythms and dances. He began his artistic journey in 2011 at Polana Caniço A Primary School, inspired by his friends and schoolmates. He joined the school’s cultural group, where he performed in various school events and activities.
In 2012, he was invited by a friend to join the cultural group Wuchene, now known as Hodi Maputo Afro Swing. This experience connected him with mentors and teachers who guided, influenced, and inspired him to become a more skilled and technically proficient artist.
In 2016, he participated in a training program on traditional singing and dancing at SOS Children’s Village. During his time with Hodi Maputo Afro Swing, he was introduced to new artistic expressions, including Swing dance, taught by both local and international instructors.
In 2017, he took part in the Harräng Dance Camp, a Swing festival. The following year, in 2018, he was awarded the title of “Best Musician of the Year 2018.”
Over time, Sussekane developed mastery over various rhythms and instruments, with a strong focus on percussion and drums. In 2021, he co-founded the band Tchaia Life.
In 2022, he joined the Music Crossroads Academy Mozambique, where he received training in drumming and Music Business. In 2023, he completed his certification in Music Business.
Also in 2023, he worked as a music teacher in the “Dança nas Férias do Nosso Bairro” (Holiday Dance in Our Neighborhood) program, organized by Hodi Swing Júnior. He also participated in the Ethno Mozambique program, promoted by Music Crossroads.
Currently, Sussekane continues to work as a musician, engaging in various projects, collaborations, and performances at public, private events, and festivals.
Contact Information:
Judith Novela
Judith Novela is a dancer and teacher at the Cultural Association Hodi Maputo Afro Swing. With a solid background in Mozambican traditional dances and Afro Swing, she has performed at several national and international festivals, including the Folkloric Festival of Passo Fundo (Brazil, 2014), the National Festival of Culture (Mozambique), and the Theaterformen Festival in Hannover, Germany.
Throughout her career, she has participated in numerous contemporary dance workshops with renowned choreographers such as Idio Chichava, Horácio Macuácua, Didier Boutiana, and Janete Mulapa, as well as international Lindy Hop workshops with teachers including Fredrik Dahlberg, Miami Gunnarson, Angela Andrew, and Mike Davison.
Judith has attended three editions of the Herräng Dance Camp (Sweden) and the Velo Swing Festival in Saarbrücken, Germany (2019, 2023, 2024). In 2022, she joined the Dance Incubator, an exclusive women’s program led by Janete Mulapa, and she is also a member of the TP50 dance group.
More recently, she contributed as a dancer and co-creator to the choreography of #VAGABUNDOS by Idio Chichava, which premiered at the One Dance Week Festival in Bulgaria and is now in its third year of international touring. Beyond her artistic work, she also coordinated catering for the MASX – Mozambique Afro Swing Exchange Festival.
Currently, Judith is developing her own project “Wansat Wa N’tamo: Strong Women”, while continuing to teach workshops and perform at festivals in Germany, Spain, Sweden, and beyond. As a dancer and teacher with Hodi Maputo Afro Swing, she remains dedicated to inspiring young artists and promoting Mozambican culture on both national and international stages.
Alexandre Alberto Soquisso
Stage Name: Alex_Swing
Profession: Dancer, Choreographer & Dance Teacher
Nationality: Mozambican
About
Alex_Swing is a Mozambican dancer and dance teacher known for blending traditional Mozambican dance with contemporary and international styles. His work promotes African culture through movement, creating a unique and authentic artistic expression.
He is a member of the Hodi Cultural Association and teaches at Dance Spot Academy, sharing not just technique, but also the cultural and social value of dance.
Dance Styles
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Traditional Mozambican Dance
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Afro Swing
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Afro House
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Salsa
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Lindy Hop
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African Fusion with Modern Rhythms
International Experience
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Led workshops across Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, etc.)
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Engages diverse communities to promote cultural exchange and African identity
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Performs at festivals and cultural events with an energetic and inclusive approach
Highlights
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Creator of original choreographies connecting African roots with modern expression
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Leads dance workshops for all age groups
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Collaborates with international artists and dance schools
Festival Goal
To share the vibrant energy of African dance, enrich the cultural diversity of the event, and offer audiences an immersive experience of movement, music, and tradition.