Maputo, Mozambique – November 2025 – Twenty years after the groundbreaking release of his award winning debut album Vol 1: The Journey, celebrated Mozambican saxophonist, composer and cultural ambassador, Moreira Chonguiça is marking this milestone with a special 20th anniversary vinyl edition and a live concert celebration at the Centro Cultural Franco-Moçambicano (CCFM) in Maputo on Friday, 12 December 2025.
Originally released in 2005, Vol 1: The Journey marked the arrival of a bold new voice in African jazz – one that seamlessly fused Mozambique’s rich rhythmic traditions with global jazz sophistication. The album introduced listeners to Moreira’s distinctive sound and vision: a forward-looking African jazz language rooted in heritage, collaboration and innovation.
“Vol 1: The Journey was my statement of intent – to tell African stories through sound and to take Mozambican jazz to the world” says Chonguiça. “Two decades later, I’m proud to celebrate not only the music, but the friendships, the lessons and the cultural bridges that we have built along the way”
The special vinyl edition – pressed on high quality 180- gram vinyl by Handle with Care in Germany, features a selection of newly remastered tracks and exclusive liner notes reflecting on Moreira’s early career, influences and the evolution of his sound. The release coincides with Mozambique’s 50th anniversary of independence, underscoring the album’s enduring relevance as a symbol of national pride, artistic excellence and cultural diplomacy.
The anniversary concert at CCFM will reunite some members of the original Moreira Project band from Cape Town alongside his current ensemble offering fans an unforgettable evening that bridges generations of musical artistry.
This milestone is supported by Moreira’s long-time partners and corporate friends who have accompanied him on his journey – from Cape Town’s vibrant jazz community to Mozambique’s thriving cultural scene.
ABOUT MOREIRA CHONGUIÇA
Moreira Chonguiça is an award winning saxophonist, producer, composer and cultural entrepreneur from Mozambique. A graduate of the University of Cape Town, he has performed on world stages from Chicago to Tangier and has collaborated with icons such as Manu Dibango, Hugh Masekela and Najee. Beyond performance he is a dedicated advocate for youth development and cultural diplomacy through the Moreira Chonguiça Foundation, More Jazz Series and the African Jazz Network.
Event details
What: 20th Anniversary Celebration of Vol 1: The Journey and Vinyl Launch
When: Friday 12 December 2025 at 20h00
Where: Centro Cultural Franco-Moçambicano (CCFM), Maputo
Tickets: https://tickets.tabater.co.mz/e/266
Sales of the vinyl available through Bandcamp: https://moreirachonguica.bandcamp.com/
For more information contact: Lesley – info@moreiramusic.com +27 83 702 8139
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