Aisia Casanova celebrates Angola’s Independence Day with new song

The song celebrates Angola's Independence Day on 11 November. It is also an optimistic and patriotic contemporary African anthem, which pays tribute to the country’s beauty while advancing unity. ‘Ombembwa Octhisola’ is sung in Umbundu, Portuguese and English. It is available for streaming here.

“This is the second time I’ve had the pleasure to sing in a traditional Angolan language and I love it more and more each time,” Aisia Casanova said. “Not only is it an honour and privilege to be able to be a part of preserving history through language, but also, I always feel a closeness to the people. That spans place and time.”

Speaking to Music In Africa, Aisia said the collaboration was prompted by her professional relationship with M-Deponde.

“M-Deponde and I run in the same musical circles. I’ve known him for five years and I have worked in the studio with him on some of his musical projects. He has always been a huge supporter of mine. We were approached by the Luanda International School to put together a musical project in honour of Angola’s Independence Day and the song is what organically transpired."

Aisia says the composition afforded her the opportunity to fuse “ideas, languages and sounds in support of creating something original and unique.”

“It is imperative as an artist to learn from others to gain knowledge, inspiration and to immerse oneself in the industry through relationship and understanding. It’s great to be known for working well with others and to be open-minded.”

She added: “As I create with others, I am also building a community of artists who learn about me and see what I am capable of as a singer and musician. I want others to hear my talent and to recognise its depth. It is also very important for me to show how much I love and respect being an artist in Angola and on the African continent.”

After relocating to Luanda, Aisia co-founded a company called OoJah Productions. In August 2019, she released her debut house song ‘Push and Pull’, which received airplay on various radio stations in the country. She has also collaborated with South African artists Ndloh Jr and Fnote as well as Angolan artists Nedbeat, Plan B and Snug Boy.