Today, Mozambican singer and songwriter Nelson Tivane decided to open his heart and share with the public his life story, a journey of overcoming obstacles that began on the streets of Polana Caniço "A" and reached national and international recognition.
Born and raised in one of Maputo's most feared neighborhoods, known at the time as the "neighborhood of the katana men," Nelson grew up surrounded by challenges and temptations common to many young people in vulnerable contexts: crime, drugs, alcohol, school dropout, and urban violence. But he chose a different path. With faith and a love for music, the young man embraced God and the chords of the guitar as his greatest strengths.
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In his own narrative, Nelson recalls the importance of his cousin Muzimba, who introduced him to music classics like Kappa 10, Gorowanes, Soul Brothers, Ringo, and Hugo Massikele. He learned to play the guitar from his Massinga cousins, Acácio, Izelino, and Sipho, and despite being teased for carrying the instrument on his back, he persevered, fueled by a dream.
“"The Composer," as he is known today, transformed every pain into art and every obstacle into strength. Today, he is a respected voice in the national artistic scene, not only for the quality of his musical work, but above all for the depth of his life story—a story he himself makes a point of telling to the public with authenticity and gratitude.
Nelson took the opportunity to thank his mother, Dona Verónica Jaime Tivane, and his late grandmother, Vovó Massinga, for all their love, education, and resilience. He also made a point of recognizing the essential role of his partner Orpa, his children, his family, and all those who believed in his talent when few others did.
Nelson Tivane proudly states that he is a living testament to the fact that it's possible to succeed without giving in to life's shortcuts. And although he's already accomplished a lot, he makes it clear: “history… is still being written.”
Today, he carries the name of Polana Caniço “A” with him, not as a burden, but as a flag showing the world that from the most forgotten alleys the brightest voices can emerge.
