José Carlos Schwarz

guinea-bissau, singer, gumbe, cobiana djazz, poet

Born Dec 06, 1949

Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

Passed Away May 27, 1977 Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

Lifespan 27 years old

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"If you ask me what my country is, I tell you it is the tear of a mother and the smile of a free child."

Archival Overview

Iconic poet and musician whose Cobiana Djazz songs in Guinea-Bissau Creole served as anthems of national liberation.

Biographical Record

José Carlos Schwarz (popularly known as 'Zé Carlos') was Guinea-Bissau's most beloved and influential revolutionary singer-songwriter and poet.

Founding the iconic group 'Cobiana Djazz', Schwarz pioneered modern Gumbé music, using sharp poetic verses in Guinea-Bissau Creole (Kriol) to criticize colonial oppression and celebrate national liberation.

Imprisoned by colonial authorities for his underground political resistance, he served as a diplomat in Havana after independence before tragically dying in a plane crash near Havana airport at just twenty-seven.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Bissau Municipal Cemetery
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

                         GPS: 11.8636, -15.5977                    

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