Zeca Afonso facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zeca Afonso
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José Afonso
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | José Manuel Cerqueira Afonso dos Santos |
| Also known as | Zeca Afonso |
| Born | 2 August 1929 |
| Origin | Aveiro, Portugal |
| Died | 23 February 1987 (aged 57) |
| Genres | Folk |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
José Manuel Cerqueira Afonso dos Santos, known as José Afonso or Zeca Afonso, was a famous Portuguese singer and musician. He was born on August 2, 1929, and passed away on February 23, 1987. Zeca Afonso became a very important figure in Portugal. His music often spoke out against the government at the time.
Who Was Zeca Afonso?
José Afonso was a talented folk and political musician. He was born in Aveiro, Portugal. People often called him Zeca, which is a friendly nickname. He played the guitar and sang. His songs were very popular.
Music for Change
Zeca Afonso's music was special. He used his songs to share his ideas. Portugal was ruled by a strong government called a dictatorship. This meant one person, Oliveira Salazar, had all the power. People did not have many freedoms.
Zeca Afonso's songs often criticized this government. He sang about freedom and justice. His music helped people think about change. Because of this, he became a symbol of hope. Many people looked up to him.
His Legacy
Zeca Afonso's most famous song is "Grândola, Vila Morena." This song became very important. It was even used as a signal during a big event in Portugal's history. This event helped end the dictatorship.
Zeca Afonso died from a serious illness. It was called ALS, which affects the body's nerves. Even after his death, his music lives on. He is remembered as a "troubadour of liberty." This means he was a singer who fought for freedom.
See also
In Spanish: José Afonso para niños
