Atija Ussene Abacar, better known as Dama Ija, is one of the biggest names in Macua music, establishing herself as a cultural icon in the province of Nampula, in the district of Angoche. Since discovering her talent in 2009 and releasing her first hit in 2010, Dama Ija has enchanted audiences with songs that portray the essence of Macua life, sung in her native language. For this reason, she earned the title of "Queen of Macua Music," an honor that reflects her ability to transform stories and traditions into art.
Her biggest hit, “Likirikita,” is proof of the impact of her work, with the music video surpassing two million views on YouTube. Despite this success, Dama Ija remains in her homeland, where she faces the challenges of being an internationally renowned artist while staying connected to her community and cultural roots.
The weight of tragedy and the struggle for relevance.
Like many women in northern Mozambique, Dama Ija lives and works in a context of adversity. Nampula's limited infrastructure and the centralization of the music market in Maputo make it difficult to reach new audiences and opportunities. Even so, she persists in releasing quality music and videos, overcoming the lack of major sponsors or local technological resources.
Dama Ija lives the silent tragedy of fighting against oblivion, a common challenge for many artists who choose to remain away from large urban centers. Despite this, she continues to be an inspiration, especially for young women who see in her the possibility of success without abandoning their origins.
His dedication to keeping the Macua tradition alive is both an act of resistance and a celebration of local culture. His songs are more than just entertainment; they are living documents that preserve the language and stories of his people.
Dama Ija, the Queen of Macua Music, proves that it is possible to achieve recognition while remaining firmly rooted in one's land, facing difficulties with courage and passion. Her story is a powerful reminder that art, even in the most challenging conditions, can flourish and illuminate paths.
