Selma Uamusse is a Mozambican singer born in 1981, living in Portugal since 1988. She sings professionally since she was a teenager, having a very diverse career in music. Her versatility, her powerful vocal instrument and her performative genius led her to shine from rock (WrayGunn) to afrobeat (Cacique’97), through gospel (Gospel Collective, Gospel Sisters), soul and jazz (Rodrigo Leão, tributes to Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba), enriching her journey with different languages, always aware of the transformative social and political power of music.
Selma studied at the Hot Clube of Portugal and created in her own name the projects Souldivers, Selma Uamusse Nu Jazz Ensemble and Tribute to Nina Simone, where she collaborated with Ana Bacalhau, Rita Redshoes, Marcia, The Legendary Tigerman, Luisa Sobral, Elisa Rodrigues, Gospel Collective, among others. Selma participated in albums and shows by several artists such as Samuel Úria, Medeiros / Lucas, You Cant Win Charlie Brown, Joana Barra Vaz, Moullinex, Orquestra Todos among others. She also lent her body and voice to theater projects (“Ruínas” staged by António Pires and “Passa-Porte” by André Amálio), cinema (“Cabaret Maxime” by Bruno Almeida and “Fogo” by Pedro Costa) and in the visual arts (installation by Ângela Ferreira).
In her own name, Selma Uamusse explores the roots of her country of origin, using Mozambican rhythms and lyrics in native languages, using traditional instruments such as timbila and mbira, combining everything with electronics and other references that mirror her diverse influences.
Selma Uamusse
Singer