Djaaka was founded in Beira, Mozambique in 2001 by members from the big traditional music and dance company “Companhia de música e dança traditional da Beira”. Not long after their formation they won the regional young musicians’ festival Music Crossroads in 2002. It was here that they gained substantial regional exposure, winning several prizes, one of which was a visit to Fallun, the folk music festival in Sweden.
Their music reflects various traditions from central Mozambique. Djaaka’s sound can be identified largely by their use of marimba which comes from one area of central Mozambique called “Timbila” is heard on many of their songs. The music is contemporary with a strong traditional touch, both funky and deeply rooted. Djaaka sing in a dialect called Massena, which is not far removed from languages of Zambia, like Bemba and Njanja.
Djaaka is a true live band, skilled musician and good dancers, with outstanding outfits. Their live performance has impressed not only their home audience; it has brought them to festivals in Reunion, Mauritius, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Italy and United Kingdom. They have won the “best Mozambican band” award three times at TOP-Ngoma, held by Radio Mozambique.
