Duas Caras, one of the most influential rappers in Mozambique, has teamed up with Azagaia, a renowned activist and hip hop artist, to release a new song called Panthera. The song also features Ras Haitrm, a reggae singer from Zimbabwe. Panthera is a powerful and provocative track that denounces the oppression and exploitation of African people by colonial and neo-colonial forces.

The song’s title refers to the pan-Africanist movement that emerged in the 20th century, inspired by leaders such as Marcus Garvey, Kwame Nkrumah, Patrice Lumumba, and Malcolm X. The pan-Africanists advocated for the unity and liberation of African people across the continent and the diaspora. The song also pays homage to the Black Panther Party, a revolutionary socialist organization that fought against racism and police brutality in the United States.

The lyrics of Panthera are full of historical and cultural references, as well as sharp criticism of the current state of affairs in Africa. Azagaia raps about the effects of globalization, imperialism, and capitalism on the continent, as well as the role of music as a weapon of resistance. He also invokes his ancestors and his spirituality, claiming to be a panther that leaps from the speakers and annihilates his enemies. Ras Haitrm sings the chorus in English, expressing his frustration with the corruption and injustice that pervade the world. He calls for good over evil and for burning Babylon, a metaphor for the oppressive system. Duas Caras closes the song with a fiery verse that celebrates African culture and identity, while also challenging the status quo. He mentions several figures and events that shaped African history, such as Harriet Tubman, Fred Hampton, Rosy Parks, Sheik Anta Diop, and Ualalapi.

Panthera is not only a song, but also a visual project. The official music video, directed by Billboy Codec Life, shows the three artists performing in different locations that represent their origins and influences. The video also features images of African landscapes, wildlife, art, and symbols. The video has received over 768K views on YouTube since its release in 2022.

Panthera is part of Duas Caras’ upcoming album AfroMatic, which is expected to be released later this year. The album will feature collaborations with other artists from Mozambique and beyond, such as G2, Tule, Rui Michel, Gpro, and more. Panthera is available for download on various platforms, such as Portal Moz News, Shazam, and YouTube.

Panthera is not the first collaboration between Duas Caras and Azagaia. The two rappers have worked together on several occasions, such as on the songs Gueime and Ossos no Baú. Both artists are known for their social and political commentary, as well as their lyrical skills and musical versatility. They have also faced censorship and threats from the authorities for their outspoken views and activism.

Duas Caras, whose real name is Hermínio Chissano, started his career in the late 1990s as part of the group Micro 2. He later joined Gpro, a collective of rappers and producers that includes G2, Trez Agah, Flash Enccy, and others. He has released several albums and mixtapes, such as Blue Magic, Ressaca do Amor, and Lockdown. He is widely regarded as one of the best rappers in Mozambique and Africa.

Azagaia, whose real name is Edson da Luz, emerged in the mid-2000s with his debut album Babalaze. He quickly gained popularity and controversy for his songs that exposed the social and economic problems of Mozambique, such as corruption, poverty, violence, and inequality. He has also been involved in various initiatives and movements that promote education, culture, and human rights. He has released three albums so far: Babalaze, Cubaliwa, and Galo Negro.