Paper short abstract:

Approaching music as a social connection in post-colonial Lisbon, I seek to understand how migrant musicians from Portuguese-speaking African countries position themselves. My research shows a lack of recognition for their contribution to the expressive cultures of Portugal and the home country.

Paper long abstract:

Approaching music as a point of social connection in the post-colonial city of Lisbon, I seek to understand how local migrant musicians from Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP) position themselves. How do they conceive their surrounding community, both in Portugal and their country of origin, and how do they mobilize or question existing structures and resources?

Drawing on an intensive ethnography carried out in Lisbon in the last 5 years, I examine the significance of musicians in the transnational construction of lusophone migrant identities and ethnicities. In general, my research shows a lack of recognition for their contribution to the expressive culture of the Portuguese capital. Although their performances occur in a European context in which cultural entrepreneurs deploy a variety of labels to promote post-colonial mixtures, all interviewees connect their music directly to their home country. They consider themselves cultural agents that use music as a way of preserving African tradition. Most of all, they want to safeguard 'traditional music', promoting their native cultural values and languages, by using Lisbon as a communicative space. In addition, they indicate that there is a direct relation with regard to lack in cultural support here and there, and formulate practical policy suggestions.

These cultural ambassadors appeal to both supranational institutions and national governments, asking for structural support in order to promote the expressive culture of Portuguese-speaking African countries, indicating that their contribution should be considered as an integral part of the cultural heritage of both Africa and Europe.