Through his music and lyrics, he is battling the unjust political leaders of Angola and he fiercely attacks their illogical actions, which harm the people.
For years at his shows, musician Pedro Coquenão, also known as Batida, has expresses his support for the civil activists which started the demonstrations in Angola in 2011 within the framework of the so-called 'Arab Spring.'
Coquenão comes from Luanda, Angola, but he grew up in Portugal in search of a better life. On May 28, he will perform at the Youth Cultural Center, within the frameworks of this year's edition of OFF Fest.
In an interview with Telegraf.mk, he said that his goal is to incite questions and to issue warnings. He usually dedicates his performances to activists, so they know that they are not forgotten.
T: Despite being raised in Portugal, a nostalgia for Angola can be felt in your music. Do you need to be constantly reminded of your roots?
No. But I am sure there will always be a feeling of: How would it be if I grew up there? In the end it was bad for everyone (due to the wars – the war for Independence and the Civil war). Many families fell apart and lives were lost. It may also be related with how I grew up and the fact that, for to long, I heard the adults in the family talking about this place where I was born but I just couldn't visit as it is dangerous now and they couldn't go back too. This kind of commentary has in my mind and I think in every kid´s head the effect of: I must go there. We must return. So I ended up growing in Lisbon but I always longed to hear about the food, history, memories and music from somewhere else. I don´t need to be reminded. This feeling and the need to connect is always present.
T: After protests started in Angola in 2011, you were one of the musicians who constantly asked for support the support of activists and demanded the liberation of arrested activists, including some musicians who are your friends. What is the situation now?
I am just another person worried about the most basic rights we should all have. Right now you have two women and fifteen men arrested in Luanda for thinking different. They were sentenced between 2 and 8 years, at a “Kangaroo Court” according to International Amnesty. Check all info here https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/africa/angola/report-angola/
We are all waiting for feedback on the appeal request. On top of that you also have people being persecuted in Cabinda who are also being arrested for similar reasons. There are reports of violence against prisoners and non attended protests for them.
T: Protests in Angola started along with the emergence of the Arab Spring, what were the demands of Angolan citizens?
The most basic rights: freedom of speech and better life conditions. Angola was one of the biggest growing economies, one of the biggest oil producers and the host of some of the richest people in the world. But at the same time it holds the record for child mortality rate and most of the population has no running water. I guess we can start there: Water. The demands were also about the fact Angola has the same President and people in charge for more than 3 decades. So, an effective democracy would be another request for the country so it can grow in a more balanced and fair way. Basic and fundamental rights.
T: Over the years, you have brought portraits of the arrested activists to your performances. What reactions do they stir up with the audience, and have you faced pressures over this?
My intention is to provoke questions and create awareness but mostly it is directed to the activists so they know they are not forgotten. Most reactions have been very generous.
T: The last album "Dois" has been released by Soundway Records, and inspired by the multi-cultural artists in Lisbon. What level has multi-culture reached there?
I think the city is multi-cultural since its birth, even before Portugal existed as today. You can feel it in the architecture itself or the names of some neighborhoods. There are historical connections with North Africa, Brazil, India, Angola, Mozambique, Cabo Verde, Guiné Bissau, São Tomé e Príncipe and even Timor. Now you also have a big touristic inflow of people coming from everywhere. But in the end, what matters is your personal and emotional experience. Mine was of growing in the suburbs (Carcavelos and Amadora mostly) and that allowed me to meet and interact with people from everywhere. Some running from war, others just looking for a better life.
T: You have performed many times at well renowned music festivals, such as: Glastonbury, Roskilde, Pitch, Lowlands, Eurokéennes, etc, and you've had a DJ set at the Boiler Room four times. How did these performances affect your career?
In practical terms I am not sure. Personally I learned from all of them. Have some great memories. Right now as we speak I have images from all of them. You forgot Transmusicalles, where I met this precious couple who seems to be the soul of the festival since its foundation. It was the first big one I had. I guess it is a great tool for promotional work too. By the way, I Will do another performance at the Boiler Room this month. They have always been very supportive and friendly.
T: You have performed with musicians from Gorillaz, Maximo Park, Magic Numbers, Bombay Bicycle Club, as well as Damon Albarn. How much do you enjoy these collaborations?
I enjoyed meeting Pauli, Duncan, Romeo, Tommy, Harry, Jack , Afrikan Boy and Damon and many others as well as the crew. For me it is mostly about the people you meet and hug. Romeo has the best hug. Not so much about the bands where they play in. It is always a bit chaotic backstage but till today it always turns into performances with great energy and great reaction from the crowd.