Zena Bacar: 1949-2017

Real World Records is saddened to hear of the death of Zena Bacar, singer with the Mozambican band Eyuphuro whose album 'Mama Mosambiki' we released in 1990 and who we were first introduced to at WOMAD Harbourfront in Toronto in the late 1980s.

Often referred to as the ‘golden voice of Mozambique’, Zena Bacar’s philosophical view of the world fed Eyuphuro’s contemporary songs of love and social criticism, providing a sharply observed commentary on life in Mozambique and particularly the inequalities faced by women in that society. After a period away from music a comeback album ‘Yellela’ was released in 2001 and a third album ’25 Anos’ followed in 2006, the same year as Eyuphuro’s final international show in Portugal.

Our thoughts and condolences go to Zena’s family and friends.

Zena Bacar – 1949 – 2017

Mama Mosambiki

Eyuphuro

Released 20 May 1990

Eyuphuro means ‘whirlwind,’ and their music draws on many influences as African vocals and Arabic rhythms meet the delicate, lilting, Portuguese-influenced guitar. From these roots, Eyuphuro write original, contemporary songs of love and social criticism, a sharply perceived commentary on life in Mozambique.

Eyuphuro

Mozambique

Often referred to as the 'golden voice of Mozambique', Zena Bacar's philosophical view of the world fed Eyuphuro's contemporary songs of love and social criticism, providing a sharply observed commentary on life in Mozambique and particularly the inequalities faced by women in that society.

By Oran Mullan

Published on Tue, 16 January 18

Zena Bacar: 1949-2017

Further reading

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Real World Sessions: Owen Spafford & Louis Campbell, 5 December 2023

Track of the day: ‘AmmA’ by Bab L’ Bluz