Hermínio Chissano, widely known by his stage name Duas Caras, is an emblematic figure in Mozambican rap. Born in 1978 in the Aeroporto neighborhood on the outskirts of Maputo, he grew up immersed in the hardships and realities of a marginalized area, which ultimately profoundly influenced his music and worldview.
From a young age, Duas Caras found in rap a form of expression and liberation. Influenced by American rap icons, especially Jay-Z, he began developing his own style in the 1990s. In 1997, he formed the group "Tropas do Futuro" alongside Denny OG, DJ Damost, Stuped Man, and N'Star, marking the beginning of his career in the music scene.
After the group disbanded, Duas Caras co-founded GPRO, one of Mozambique's most influential rap compilations, alongside Djo and Cem Paus. The group released the album "Um Passo em Frente" in 2003, which quickly became a landmark in Mozambican rap. With conscious and educational lyrics, Duas Caras established himself as one of the country's most respected lyricists, known for his complex rhymes full of metaphors.
However, his career was not without controversy. After several years of success, Duas Caras decided to leave GPRO, which caused great commotion among fans and the Mozambican hip-hop scene. During this period, he joined the Extaka Zero project, where he adopted the moniker Xkopeta and experimented with a fusion of traditional Mozambican rhythms with rap, releasing the album "Do Rovuma ao Maputo". This change of style, although successful, generated criticism from some fans who accused him of "betraying" rap.
In 2006, Duas Caras returned to GPRO, to the relief of his fans, and released the track "De Volta a Casa" (Back Home), which quickly became an anthem among rap fans. During this period, he released several songs that reinforced his position in Mozambican rap, including "Sujo Sujo" (Dirty Dirty), "Cú Gordo" (Fat Ass), and "Dzukupandza".
In the following years, Duas Caras continued to consolidate her career with notable releases, including the single “Dinda” in 2015, in partnership with Twenty Fingers, and the EP “Duditos Way” in 2018. In 2020, she released her first studio album, “Djundava”, followed in 2022 by the EP “Afromatic”, which includes collaborations with artists such as Azagaia and Ras Haitrm.
His discography is vast and includes collaborative albums, EPs, and singles that are landmarks in Mozambican music. Over the years, Duas Caras has received numerous awards and nominations, solidifying his reputation as one of Mozambique's greatest rappers.
Duas Caras is not just an artist; he is a voice that represents the struggles and aspirations of many young Mozambicans. His music, characterized by its lyrical depth and the combination of traditional elements with rap, continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans throughout the country.
