Angola Freedom Songs

The Union of Peoples of Angola (UPA) began a sustained armed struggle against the Portuguese colonial forces in 1961. This album, recorded in 1962, contains songs from the UPA fighters that proclaim the need to fight against the Portuguese, and to support and join the UPA troops. According to the lyrics to one song, “When we were born / We found Angola under Portuguese rule / We know now it belongs to us.” The album also contains an eyewitness account of what occurred after the recording, offering a unique perspective on recording freedom songs in the middle of a war zone. The liner notes contain background on Portuguese colonial rule in Angola and lyrics translated into English.

Track Listing

101	Kumpwaza! UPA Fighters	00:26
102	You Who Do Not Believe UPA Fighters	02:27
103	When We Were Born UPA Fighters	01:08
104	Portuguese, Go Away! UPA Fighters	01:40
105	Do You Know Christ's Name? UPA Fighters	03:13
106	Portuguese Are Arrested UPA Fighters	01:16
107	We Do Not Want to Be Governed UPA Fighters	01:17
108	Don't Be Afraid UPA Fighters	00:49
109	We Are Going to Fight UPA Fighters	02:29
110	The Country Belongs to Us UPA Fighters	01:49
111	Angolans Who Want Freedom UPA Fighters	01:36
112	Rallying Cry UPA Fighters	00:17
201	Bugle Alarm Call UPA Fighters	00:34
202	I Want to be a Soldier UPA Fighters	02:24
203	World's Savior is Knocking b) Soldier Drills UPA Fighters	02:46
204	Eye Witness Account UPA Fighters	07:32