Domingos Matias Houana, better known by his stage name Xidiminguana, was born in the Gaza province, in Bilene Macie Vuthu, Mozambique, on August 3, 1936. The son of peasant parents, Xidiminguana had a humble childhood, working as a cattle herder in 1949.
It was also in 1949 that he learned to play his first homemade guitar, constructed from simple materials such as a 5-liter olive oil can, fishing line, and other rudimentary elements. This guitar, called the Xigogogwani, was built with the help of his friend Rafael Hlonguane.
Years later, Xidiminguana managed to buy his first real guitar, brought by Raquel, which he paid for with a 50kg sack of corn. On August 15, Xidiminguana moved to Maputo, where he began working as a domestic servant in the historic Alto Maé neighborhood in the city center.
In 1962, Xidiminguana found more time to dedicate to music, and in 1964, he auditioned for Radio Clube (now Radio Moçambique), where he recorded his first song on cassette. Throughout his career, he had the opportunity to sing alongside some of the greatest names in Mozambican music, including Alexandre Langa, José Guimarães, YÉ-YÉ, and Bernardo Honwana.
Xidiminguana later worked for the Mozambique Railways (CFM), where he retired in 1996. His musical career is marked by numerous achievements and recognitions. In 2016, he received the Ngoma Moçambique Career Award and the Legend Award from Radio Moçambique. He was also honored with the Living Legend Award from South African Radio and, in 2010, he received the Marrabenta Award from the now-defunct Mozambique Music Award (MMA).
Among his most successful songs are:
– Delfina
– Tiba Bem
– Yiganhile Ntombi Liya
– Nwamungoro
– Guida I
– Nikomi Nkata
– Nsati Wambuya
Today, Xidiminguana celebrates his 88th birthday, becoming an essential figure in Mozambican music and an inspiration to many generations. His career exemplifies dedication, talent, and perseverance, cementing his legacy in Mozambique's musical culture.
