12 November 2007
Luanda — Angolan minister of Culture, Boaventura Cardoso, Monday in Luanda highlighted the contribute made by the men of arts in the national liberation struggle, stating that their engagement motivated many citizens toward the cause and wish of the people to become free.
Speaking to Angop, in Luanda, on the occasion of the celebrations of the 32nd anniversary of the national independence, on Sunday, the official who praised the engagement and participation of the Angolan creators in the struggle against the Portuguese colonialism, stated that they, some on the battlefront and others on the rearguard, made a precious contribute towards the intended goals.
"To certain extent, they were one of the main reasons of the massive involvement of many Angolans on the ranks of the People Liberation Armed Forces (FAPLA)", stressed Boaventura Cardoso.
Through writing, music and other cultural manifestations, he added, the artists could show and express their engagement in the struggle for the wellbeing and freedom of the Angolan people.
Although dramatic, the Angolans feel happy for having, after all, attained their highest will of then: to become independent and free to lead the country's destiny.
"It was a dramatic journey, but what matters in the end of the day, is to see that we have managed to reach the goal for which we fought along the various years", he also stated.
As to the gains obtained with the independence, the minister stressed that after November 11, 1975, the Angolan creators, mainly the musicians, found the gates open to share with the whole country the gains of such an achievement. With regard to this, Boaventura Cardoso mentioned the organisation in the country of several music-cultural festivals, with stress to the National Culture Festival (Fenacult), an event that brought together up to 1989 musicians from all provinces.
In other artistic modalities, the official said, the country witnessed many of its representatives being awarded international prizes, mainly in literature, where the men linked to book-writing managed to impose overseas.
"We are here talking of writers like Agostinho Neto, Pepetela, Manuel Rui Monteiro and others who, in the course of the struggle were tireless, participating directly or indirectly. They are people who often made of writing their weapons of combat, denouncing the atrocities of the Portuguese forces against the Angolans", the minister recalled.
Boaventura Cardoso, who considered the national independence as the most precious value of any people, stated that its attainment was a gain that enabled the establishment of points of connection among the various sectors of the Angolan society, where the culture also played a relevant role.
"It was good, because after the proclamation of the independence, the Angolans, in a general way, and particularly the artists, opened towards other horizons (markets), taking along with them the Angolan culture beyond borders", Boaventura Cardoso said.
While admitting there is still a long way to go in fully satisfying the aspirations, due to various constraints recently experienced in the country, the minister added that the last five years of peace are showing a promising future.
"We must say that the wish of all those that fought for independence haven't till now been fully satisfied because afterwards there was a period of instability that affected the agenda of many and the cultural creators, particularly, saw many of their dreams postponed".
However, he underlined, the last five of the 32 years of national independence give us the assurance that what has been done in terms of programme and realisation makes believe that it is possible to change the country, provided that everyone lend his strength and vigour to the country's reconstruction.
"Conquered a lasting peace, the Angolan creators have a sovereign opportunity to reinforce and conquer new markets, promoting, divulging and valorising the country's cultural product", he said.
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