Elias and Augusto Manhiça
Elias and Augusto are also known as “Gêmeos Manhiça” (the Manhiça Twins).
They were born in a culturally rich family and started their first cultural group already in 2003 called “Crianças da Paz” (Children of Peace) where music, song and dance were inseparable. They soon joined the dance company Wuchene and later created Hodi Maputo Afro Swing where Elias now is the president and General Coordinator of Mozambique Afro Swing Exchange and Augusto the musical director. They are also the band leaders of Banda Hodi which is known growing in its popularity in Mozambique. During their career they have performed in Sweden, China, South Africa, Augusto in Brazil at ¨Festival Folclórico de Passo Fundo and Elias in New York at the Frankie 100 celebrations.
Eugênio Macuvel
Eugênio has been a choreographer since the age of 14 and the Artistic Director of Hodi Maputo Afro Swing since the start of the company in 2014. Dancing and singing was a natural part of Eugenios childhood and he was fast to develop. He started “Crianças da Paz” (Children of Peace) together with the Manhiça twins at the age of 12 and became the young choreographer of Wuchene at the age of 14.
During his time as choreographer he has trained many of the members of Hodi Maputo Afro Swing when they were part of “Wuchene Junior” that he initiated to create future dancers. He has through the years put together choreographies with up to 50 dancers on stage, been part of producing many artistic pieces on major stages and has performed and choreographed in different parts of the world such as South Africa, Sweden, China.
Judith Novela
This year Judith Novela joins the team for a special workshop on Marrabenta, traditional female Mozambican dance that is performed to enhance feminine beauty, empower women and renew their self-esteem. Judith’s class will focus on the learning of Marrabenta and is open to everyone.