Waldemar Bastos was born in 1954 near the border with Zaire in N’Banza Congo, a little town which was the first capital city of the ancient kingdom of Angola and began singing at a very early age.



"My music is defined by own life experiences, praise for Angolan identity, and a call for universal brotherhood. I have matured. Everything I have absorbed from other cultures, and various musical styles, – I have travelled quite a bit - which has inspired beauty in me, is a part of what I’m doing now. So, it is gratifying for me to hear or read what critics say, as it recently happened in the USA, that my music is universal. That it is not a regional music, but instead for people everywhere. This is my main and most sincere goal, my contribution for harmony among people! For me such is the first and ultimate function of Art".

During colonial times, Waldemar Bastos was once imprisoned by the Portuguese Secret Police, PIDE.

“They couldn’t arrest everybody, and because they knew that, even though I was not politically involved, I didn’t agree with the established regime and the police behavior, they just grabbed me and jailed me. As simple as that! While in prison I wrote a few songs that would later become known...'Coisas da Vida, coisas da Terra, coisas do Homem' ".



Angola won its independence but violence followed on a long and tortuous civil war. In 1982 he finally defected whilst on a visit to Portugal, but was forced to move to Berlin, moving on again  - this time to Brazil - which had a huge influence on his musical development.

His reputation grew through the release of several albums – he even back home in Angola ( where he tried to go back in 1992 until the situation became so dangerous for him he no choice but a return to Europe.) Discovered by David Byrne and signed to his inovative Luaka Bop label, he finally broke to an international audience with the album 'Pretaluz/Backlight' produced by Arto Lindsay.



As well as musical recognition Waldemar became involved in humanitarian work with UNESCO and anti-landmine campaigns. His personal struggle continued with the murder of his son Walter.

“This maturation process was developed, and forced upon me, in great part, by the suffering that me and my family have been submitted to... I realized also, through my own experience, that the road of life is harsh. Specially when one fights with determination, and honesty for the values of humanity and peace”.

Times finally changed for the better in 2003 when the war in Angola came to an end at last and Waldemar was invited to celebrate this special day and with a remarkable performance in the national stadium in Luanda in April 2003.


‘Classics of My Soul’ was recorded in November 2009 in Los Angeles with renowned Producer Derek Nakamoto. This landmark album, with the special appearance of the London Symphony Orchestra, will have its first release in Angola.



In the end Waldemar’s struggle for unity and brotherhood has been rewarded.