Mozambican poets seek greater recognition for Noémia de Sousa
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Young poets in Mafalala, a neighbourhood of Maputo in Mozambique, are asking for more ways to honour Noémia de Sousa on the centennial of her birth.
They believe celebrating her legacy is important because she helped begin modern Mozambican poetry and her work continues to resonate. The poets want to see Noémia de Sousa’s name on public spaces like schools, libraries, and streets to encourage people to learn about her life and writing.
Poet Álvaro Taruma explained that access to Noémia de Sousa’s work is limited, as her first book, “Sangue Negro,” was difficult to publish, and more of her writings should be made available. He also stated that her work focused on important issues like the struggles of migrant workers, women’s rights, racial equality, and the assertion of African identity. Nick de Rosário, another young poet, echoed the call for greater visibility for Noémia de Sousa, suggesting dedicated events and anthologies.
The Mafalala Museum, located in the neighbourhood where she grew up, already features a library named for her and a collection of Mozambican literature, working to inspire reading among children. Born in 1926, Noémia de Sousa was the first Black woman to publish poetry in Mozambique, using her writing to oppose colonialism and repression. Although she wrote most of her work between 1948 and 1951, it wasn’t collected into a single book, “Sangue Negro”, until 2001.
She died in Portugal in 2002.
