The May 2011 release of Beyoncé’s new music video, ‘Run the World (Girls)’, shone the spotlight firmly on Mozambique. But not for the reasons you might think – like a film shoot on the pristine beaches or in the brilliantly blue water in front of an upmarket hotel Mozambique. She gave credit to a Mozambican kwaito dance group called Tofo Tofo for inspiring the choreography. She saw a video of them dancing on YouTube, got people to track them down, and flew them to America so that they could teach her some moves. According to an mtv.com interview with choreographer Frank Gatson Jnr, Beyoncé’ was so moved by their performance that she enlisted the help of the local embassy to contact them in the remote area where they lived.
Interestingly, and it’s something that has caused some controversy, the dance style is actually the South African pantsula, a township dance far removed from anything experienced at hotel Mozambique. Her ‘Run the World (Girls)’ choreography therefore does not feature a Mozambican dance, but rather African dancers. No doubt her South African fans would prefer that this dance style, with its infectious rhythm and fancy footwork, be given the correct kudos.
If you’re into cultural activities and making a stop at a hotel Mozambique during your holiday, you could fit in some theatre. It’s worth watching an open rehearsal by the Companhia Nacional de Canto e Dança, which is based at the Casa de Cultura, and you could even see them perform. Check their Facebook page for upcoming performances.
Maputo is also home to Mutumbela Gogo, a well-known theatre group with a residency at Teatro Avenida. They perform in Portuguese.
If you’re staying at a hotel Mozambique while conducting business in Maputo, try and make time to sample some of its nightlife. The jazz café at the train station is one of Maputo’s hottest afro-jazz venues. It’s got great atmosphere, partly attributable to its old collection of jazz gramophone records, and features live acts on Saturdays.
For something more sporty, and close to your hotel Mozambique, find out what weekend football is on at the Costa do Sol Stadium. Mozambicans love this game and they play it wherever they find space on the weekend. You could probably watch or join in an impromptu game if you spot one along the northern section of Av Marginal or even on a deserted field.