Tokyo,
As part of the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary (Jubilee) of National Independence, the Embassy of Angola in Japan organized on Saturday, March 15th of the current year, an event to sing, publicize, and educate about the lyrics of the National Anthem of Angola, “Angola Avante”. The activity was attended by more than 100 Japanese citizens, including students, members of the local community, as well as members of the National Anthems Association.
In addressing the audience, H.E. Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, Ambassador of Angola in Japan, stated that the National Anthem has, throughout the long period preceding the 50 years of National Independence, represented the voice, the face, the values, as well as the customs of the enigmatic Angolan people, thus elucidating their duty to strengthen the homeland and the Nation State. The same Diplomat further argued that “Angola Avante” represents the cry of all women, men, young people, and children of our country, in their desire to strengthen the spirit of love for the homeland, respect for all Angolans, as well as the struggle for freedom, defense, and respect for national heroes.
The Anthem has for approximately 50 years marked the nation, the people, freedom, and above all, the will to transform a great, prosperous, and developed country, she emphasized. The participants of the National Anthem event had the opportunity to learn about the history related to the composition of the Anthem and to attend a lecture on “50 Years of Independence”, which portrayed the history of the liberation struggle, the period of independence, the civil war, as well as the peace process, national reconciliation, and development, delivered and presented by H.E. Mrs. Ambassador.
This event, one of the many marking the Jubilee festivities of Angola, uniquely brought together more than 100 Japanese citizens, who took the opportunity to learn the lyrics, the history of Angola, and ultimately sing the Anthem “Angola Avante” in Portuguese, a fact that demonstrated not only the existing friendship and cooperation between the two peoples but also launched the learning of Angolan history, art, and culture. Considering the knowledge of national habits and customs, a lunch followed with the tasting of the main national dishes, appreciated by the Japanese citizens present.
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA, In Tokyo, March 17, 2025.
*Unofficial translation
