Calema wants to inspire young people as CPLP ambassadors

The executive secretariat of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and the permanent mission of São Tomé and Príncipe to the CPLP organized today the ceremony to award the diploma of "Goodwill Ambassadors", in the area of ​​culture and music, to the musicians Calema, at the organization's headquarters in Lisbon.

The two brothers, who have already been in the business for two decades, stressed that, growing up in São Tomé and Príncipe, they had no role models and that the dream of music seemed distant and difficult.

"When we were starting out, we didn't have any examples because everything seemed so difficult. (...) I think that, in a way, you can show them [young people] that it's possible, that there's a process and that if you work, if you believe, your dream can become reality, but it really depends on you. That's the light we want," declared Fradique Mendes Ferreira.

António Mendes Ferreira emphasized that being named CPLP ambassadors is a source of pride. "We've always made music with the aim of bringing joy to people, communicating with them, connecting with them, and being part of this family that is the CPLP is incredible. We grew up within the community and its culture," António said.

The Calemas also stated that they do not currently have any actions outlined, but that they will meet with "those responsible, analyze and see" how they can collaborate within the community to "inspire people and break down barriers."

For the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Communities of São Tomé and Príncipe, Ilza Amado Vaz, this cultural group managed to move music from this African nation and convey a message of hope and a dream come true throughout the world.

"The Calema family represents what can be the hope of a young people. And it is also the representation of our country," he concluded.

At the 15th Conference of Heads of State and Government of the CPLP, held on July 18 in Bissau, the musicians were appointed "CPLP Goodwill Ambassadors" for a four-year term, subject to renewal for equal periods.

The IX Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers, in July 2004, established the role of "CPLP Goodwill Ambassador", "with a view to broadly promoting the objectives and disseminating the activities of the CPLP", according to a statement from the organization.

The CPLP is made up of Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe and East Timor.

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