Hugo Castro,researcher at INET-md, authors the book A cantiga só é arma quando a luta acompanhar! Canção e política na Revolução dos Cravos (1974-1976), published by Edições Afrontamento, with the support of Município de Grândola and the Observatório da Canção de Protesto, whose Executive Board includes INET-md.
Abstract:
Musicians and singers who had distinguished themselves through repertoires of political critique and resistance against the fallen authoritarian regime began to occupy public and media spaces with renewed legitimacy and an active civic role. During the revolutionary process and the subsequent democratic transition, the urgency of deep socio-political and cultural transformation prompted these artists to traverse the country. They performed in villages, factories, and military barracks, actively participating in and supporting the widespread and enthusiastic popular movement organized through workers’ and residents’ committees, popular assemblies, cooperatives, and artistic and cultural associations. Their activities were frequently aligned with the agendas of various left-wing organizations, trade unions, and political parties that proliferated in the immediate post-revolutionary period. Within this context, song became a vital medium for the dissemination, debate, and critical reflection on the political and social realities of the time.
This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the practices and modes of engagement adopted by these musical agents, focusing particularly on their political affiliations and ideological proximity to the spectrum of the Portuguese left, most notably the Portuguese Communist Party and radical leftist groups. By examining the trajectories, motivations, and political ideals of key figures involved in this movement, the study explores diverse approaches to the transformation and valorization of popular artistic expressions, conceived as integral to the articulation and promotion of revolutionary values.