DILI, 03 May 2025 (TATOLI) —Today, the National Association of Music of Timor-Leste (ALMAMOR) celebrates its 25th anniversary with the theme “From Memory to Future.”
The celebration of ALMAMOR’s 25 years in Timor-Leste took place at Fundação Oriente, Bairo Formosa, Dili, featuring various activities, including a talk show, workshop, exhibition, and musical performances by Timorese artists.
The President of ALMAMOR, Nino Filipus Pereira, and the Minister of Trade and Industry (MTCI) stated that ALMAMOR was established in 2000 and has now reached 25 years in Timor-Leste. It serves as an umbrella organization for both artist groups and individual artists, supporting the promotion of Timor-Leste’s music nationally and internationally.
“Congratulations to all artists! Together with ALMAMOR, we celebrate 25 years of its existence in Timor-Leste. Let’s unite to promote Timor-Leste’s music to the world,” Pereira told TATOLI at Fundação Oriente, Dili, on Saturday.
Pereira emphasized that ALMAMOR’s 25-year journey represents a revival, urging all music groups and individual artists to embrace modern global music trends while maintaining their presence in Timor-Leste and continuing to promote the country’s music worldwide.
“Twenty-five years ago, ALMAMOR, along with artist groups and individual artists in Timor-Leste, overcame significant challenges. This proves that Timorese artists, such as Ego Lemos and others, have successfully brought Timor-Leste’s traditional and national songs to audiences in Australia and other countries. This is a major achievement, and hopefully, Timorese artists will continue to take traditional songs like Tebe-Tebe to the international stage,” he said.
Pereira acknowledged that despite past successes, ALMAMOR and Timorese artists still face challenges, particularly in digital transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence, which allows people to replicate songs without seeking permission from the original songwriters.
In response to these challenges, the Director of Promotion, Art, and Culture at the Secretary of State for Art and Culture (SEAK-Tetun), Felix Ximenes, stated that SEAK is currently working with artists to provide digital music training, equip them with necessary musical resources, and educate them on intellectual property laws to prevent unauthorized copying of their songs before release.
Attending ALMAMOR’s 25th-anniversary celebration were artist groups such as Cinco de Oriente, Vialma, Ex, and others, as well as individual artists like Agustino Moniz and several distinguished guests.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
