Exciting line-up for fifth Azgo Festival in Maputo

From Mozambique, the line-up boasts hip-hop gurus Duas Caras e Tres Agah, local pop sensations Liloca and Claudio Ismael, both performing for the first time, and Orquestra Djambu taking it back to the roots. Jazz aficionados will be happy with Mingas and Tucan Tucan gracing the stage, and Sergio Muiambo will keeping the party going late into the night.

Mingas is an obligatory reference when talking of Mozambican music. Mingas sings songs of her day-to-day Mozambican life, making a fusion of traditional rhythms, the Marrabenta and world music. During her career spanning more than 30 years, she has worked with some of the biggest names in national and foreign music, including Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte, Chico Antonio and Manu Dibango, among others. Azgo Festival is excited to host Mingas for the first time.

From the region, Azgo Festival welcomes the kings of South African soulful house, Mi Casa, and Swaziland R&B/Pop sensation Floewe.

With their signature sound and unparalleled creativity, South African house group Mi Casa have skyrocketed to success since the day the band formed in early 2010. Based in Johannesburg, the group consists of three members who each form an essential part of the heart and soul of Mi Casa: J’Something, Mi Casa’s vocalist and guitarist, Dr Duda, the producer, and Mo-T, the band’s trumpeter. Mi Casa is one of South Africa’s most loved groups, challenging audiences from around the world to take an interest in a unique sound that is hailed truly African with an undeniable international appeal.

From further afield, Azgo will feature Australian-Ethiopian Jazz ensemble the Black Jesus Experience, the dreamy melodies of Turkish indie-pop group 123 and Swiss multi-instrumentalist Matthias Frey, aka Sweet, Sweet Moon.

Tickets are on sale now here. For all accommodation and transport information please visit our www.azgofestival.com.

Azgo Festival aims to contribute to the artistic and cultural development and to a greater awareness regarding cultural issues in Mozambique and Southern Africa; bring together different crowds and different artists, emerging and well-known and various genres; promote Mozambican cultural heritage and artistic life, position Mozambique as a destination for music lovers; provide opportunities for professionalization in the music industry, to involve local communities and create jobs; and create a platform to promote music exchanges between local and international artists, establishing a network with music events and initiatives in Southern Africa, on the continent and overseas.

Azgo Festival is part of the African Music Festival Network (AMFN) and a founding member of the Firefest Route, which encompasses MTN Bushfire (Swaziland), Sakifo (Reunion Island), HIFA (Zimbabwe); and Fireball (South Africa).

For a glimpse at what's in store, check out the Azgo Festival 2014 official video.