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Angola at 50: Afrikanizm Art Joins Historic Independence Celebrations in Luanda
Amadeo Carvalho: Bridging Cultures Through Paint
A Historic Celebration on Continental Scale
On 11 November 2025, the Republic of Angola celebrated five decades of independence with a powerful and symbolic national ceremony held at the Praça da República in Luanda. Afrikanizm Art was deeply honoured to be present at this milestone moment, sharing space with heads of state, diplomats, cultural leaders, and thousands of invited guests from around the world.
This 50th anniversary was not just a national celebration — it was a continental event. Over 45 foreign delegations attended, including presidents, vice-presidents, prime ministers, parliamentary leaders, and ministers of foreign affairs. The significance of the moment was reflected in the presence of 14 heads of state and government, who stood shoulder to shoulder in recognition of Angola’s legacy and future.
Among the key dignitaries were President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, as well as President José Maria Neves of Cabo Verde, President Carlos Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe, and President Azali Assoumani of Comoros. Angola's President João Lourenço also held bilateral meetings with Onishi Yohei, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan; Sayyd Albussati, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman; and Azouz Nasri, President of the National Council of Algeria.
A City Dressed for the Occasion
Luanda transformed into a visual celebration, adorned in red and yellow, echoing the colours of the Angolan flag and the spirit of the nation. Streets buzzed with anticipation, cultural performances filled the air with rhythm and meaning, and the Memorial António Agostinho Neto — dedicated to the nation’s first president — became the spiritual and symbolic heart of the commemoration.
The day began at dawn, as thousands of guests gathered under bright Angolan skies. Representations from all 18 provinces of Angola took part in an impressive civic and military parade, demonstrating unity, strength, and the diversity of the country’s cultural fabric.
Afrikanizm: Present, Commited and Inspired
Afrikanizm Art’s presence at this celebration was not simply symbolic — it was deeply rooted in our mission. Our work as a platform is to elevate and amplify African and Afro-diasporic voices through contemporary art. To witness and participate in such a moment — where art, history, diplomacy and national identity come together — reinforces our belief that art is a form of cultural diplomacy.
As the first contemporary art platform focused on African artists to be invited to such a high-level state celebration in Angola, this experience also marked a proud moment for our community. It served as a reminder that art is not peripheral to society, but central to its reflection, celebration and vision.
Looking to the Future
For Afrikanizm Art, this isn’t the end — it’s a beginning. We will continue to deepen our partnerships across Africa and beyond, ensuring that African art occupies not only gallery walls but also the public imagination, policymaking spaces, and the stages of global relevance.
This anniversary celebration is a testament to how far Angola — and African art — have come. But it’s also a call to continue building. At Afrikanizm, we remain committed to bridging creativity with legacy, and ensuring our artists, collectors and institutions are part of every conversation shaping the continent’s cultural future.
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REQ8GPJpRN0
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