Cães de Raça (part. Guto)

Azagaia, a Mozambican rapper known for his politically charged lyrics, delves into the complexities of racial identity and the legacy of colonialism in his song 'Cães de Raça (feat. Guto)'. The song's title, which translates to 'Purebred Dogs', is a metaphor for the social stratification and racial divisions that persist in post-colonial societies. Azagaia uses the perspectives of different racial identities to highlight the ongoing struggles and prejudices faced by individuals based on their race and heritage.

The lyrics begin with the perspective of a mixed-race individual, a 'mulato', who feels caught between two worlds. The character grapples with his dual heritage, feeling neither fully accepted by the Portuguese nor by the Mozambicans. Azagaia touches on historical figures like Salazar, the Portuguese dictator, to emphasize the deep-rooted colonial attitudes that continue to affect people's lives. The chorus, with its repeated line 'Eu sou um cão de raça', reinforces the idea of racial purity and the exclusionary practices that come with it.

Azagaia also explores the experiences of black Mozambicans, who, despite being the original inhabitants of the land, still face exploitation and poverty. The song criticizes the internalized colonialism that leads to black-on-black exploitation, a remnant of the divide-and-conquer tactics used by colonial powers. Furthermore, the song addresses the experiences of white Mozambicans and Indian Mozambicans ('bhai'), each with their own set of privileges and prejudices. Through these narratives, Azagaia paints a picture of a society still grappling with the consequences of its colonial past and the complex dynamics of race, power, and identity.