Wa zekele

Angola, 2003. Africa, the motherland of all other lands. It is the outskirts of Luanda; the streets are made of mud and red earth furrowed by rivulets of sewage and piles of rubbish. The voices of the people are loud as they exchange good morning in Kimbundu, "Wa zekele", and the joyful cries of the children are loud as they chase each other, play with the earth, and make toys. Candongueiros pass through the streets and in front of their doors are the women who sell a little merchandise, drinks, cigarettes, sweets, fruit. They often sit next to lit charcoal stoves where they fry chicken or fish, roast corn on the cob, bake sweets and doughnuts. The smell of frying and delicious food mixes with the smell of rubbish, but you soon get used to it. Africa is the motherland of all other lands, it is the outskirts of Luanda, where the women walk with their heads held high and where their proud gazes reveal the dignity of a people that gives thanks and blesses life.