Massukos

Originating from Niassa in northern Mozambique, Massukos are superstars in their homeland. Led by the outspoken Feliciano Dos Santos, the ensemble comes from one of the poorest parts of Africa, and pull no punches when talking about the hardships that have affected their lives. Passionate about what they do, the band travels for miles to remote villages to deliver simple life-saving messages such as "more condoms less partners".

Massukos' first live public performance in 1994 coincided with the start of the peace process, following 17 years of civil war. Many of Mozambique's musicians and artists had fled the country during the war and the band wanted to preserve and spread the traditional rhythms of Niassa province that were all but extinct.

The group's reputation grew and their music soon captivated international audiences. They made their first international trip in 1998 to perform at the EXPO 98 in Lisbon, Portugal. Their first 2001 recording debut Kuimba kwa Massuko achieved phenomenal sales and sealed their success. Voted best album in 2002, it won a gold disc in 2003. Later that year they were voted best group in Mozambique and they then went on to win the International Prize for Water at the Cannes Water Symposium. The band released its second album, Bumping in 2007.

Feliciano dos Santos—the leader of Massukos—is also the director of the NGO Estamos, which is involved with the installation of latrines and clean water points, as well as hygiene and HIV/AIDS education. Challenged by polio, Santos endured a gruelling childhood living in a slum with no clean water or proper sanitation. He is determined to tackle these issues so that others do not suffer as he did. Affectionately known by his many fans as 'the Elton John' of Mozambique, Santos believes that "music has the power to change people"; the ground-breaking work he is doing in his homeland is testimony to that belief.