
01/08/2025
José Afonso, also known as Zeca Afonso, was a renowned Portuguese singer-songwriter and teacher who played a significant role in the resistance against the dictatorial Estado Novo regime. Here's a brief overview of his history in Setúbal ¹ ²:
- *Teacher Position*: Afonso took up a secondary school teacher position in Setúbal, where he developed a severe health crisis that left him hospitalized for 20 days. After his discharge, he was expelled from public school teaching due to the regime's disapproval of his leftist political ideals and subversive songs.
- *Musical Contributions*: Despite his health issues, Afonso continued to create music, and his songs became a symbol of resistance against the regime. His music often critiqued colonialism, imperialism, and the Catholic Church.
- *Later Life and Death*: Afonso lived his last years in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, near Setúbal, with his partner Zélia. He passed away on February 23, 1987, at the Hospital de São Bernardo in Setúbal, due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His funeral was attended by over 30,000 people, making it a massive event.
- *Legacy*: Afonso's legacy lives on in Setúbal. A memorial sculpture was inaugurated on January 6th at Praia da Saúde, created by setubalense sculptor Ricardo Crista. The Associação José Afonso was established in 1987 to fulfill Afonso's intentions in Portuguese music and art. He is buried in the Nossa Senhora da Piedade cemetery in Setúbal