Dilon Ndjindji, born on August 14, 1927, in Marracuene, about 30 km north of Maputo, Mozambique, is an emblematic figure in the history of Mozambican music and dance. Known as a composer, performer, choreographer, and dancer, Ndjindji built a career spanning decades, marked by a strong connection to the culture and traditional rhythms of his country.
From an early age, Ndjindji demonstrated a natural talent and an unwavering passion for music. At the age of 12, in a gesture that already pointed to his creativity and ingenuity, he built his own three-string guitar using an oil can. Three years later, he obtained his first real guitar, which became his companion at weddings and private parties, where he played popular musical styles of the time, such as zukuta and magia.
In 1945, after completing his secondary studies, Ndjindji pursued a spiritual path, enrolling in a biblical studies course at the Swiss Mission, at the Ricalta Seminary in Marracuene. Upon completing the course in 1947, he was appointed Pastor to Mariana Island, currently known as Josina Machel Island, located in Maputo province. It was during this period that Ndjindji came into contact with the rhythms of marrabenta, an urban musical style typical of southern Mozambique. His enthusiasm and vigor contributed significantly to the popularization of marrabenta, which would become one of the most important genres of Mozambican music.
In 1950, Ndjindji left for South Africa, where he worked as a miner, returning permanently to Mozambique in 1954. Six years later, in 1960, he founded his own musical group, "Estrela de Marracuene". The group's radio debut was in 1964, on the station Voz Africana. Nine years later, in 1973, he recorded his first album, Xiguindlana, with the record label Produções 1001, where he also worked as a production coordinator.
The year 1994 brought important recognition to Ndjindji when he won the N'goma Moçambique contest, organized by Rádio Moçambique, in the category of Most Popular Song. The winning song, "Juro Palavra d'Honra, Sinceramente Vou Morrer Assim" (I Swear on My Word, I Will Sincerely Die Like This), became an anthem for the difficulties faced by the Mozambican population.
In his later years, Ndjindji saw his career gain international recognition. In 2001, at the age of 74, he became a member of the Mabulu group and began performing outside of Mozambique, captivating audiences with his inexhaustible energy and agility in dance. In 2002, he released his first international solo work, a CD entitled Dilon, where he presented marrabenta in a more acoustic and minimalist way, showcasing the versatility and depth of this musical style.
