Edson da Luz, known as Azagaia, was one of the most prominent rap artists in Mozambique. He died on March 9, 2023, at the age of 38 after having an epilepsy attack. His music was relevant in several Lusophone countries. Azagaia became known for advocating social causes through his critical music against the way politicians rule in Mozambique. Several times, Azagaia was arrested or summoned by the Mozambican authorities because of his music, as an affront to the ruling political power. One of the instances dates back to 2016 when the artist's performance was cancelled for no apparent reason. Reactions to Azagaia's death came from fans everywhere, above all young people and citizens who found through his music a form of freedom of expression in Mozambique, with lamentations and sadness over the rapper's death. From the Mozambican authorities, the minister of culture, Eldevina Materula, said she was “extremely shocked”: Sem dúvida que a música e a cultura moçambicana estão de luto. O mundo perdeu um ‘rapper’ único… Without a doubt, Mozambican music and culture are in mourning. The world has lost a unique rapper… Young people and groups of citizens organised themselves to show their admiration and esteem for the rapper, promoting vigil and solidarity acts for the artist and his family, whether in Mozambique, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, or Cape Verde. Angola🇦🇴 e Moçambique🇬🇾 Os nossos desentendimentos e competições nas redes sociais não passam de #falatórios_de_irmãos, quando o assunto é sério unimo-nos e ficamos um só. Nas fotos, noite de Vigília em homenagem ao Rapper Azagaia em Angola🇦🇴. #POVONOPODER pic.twitter.com/4bOM9cAOuH — Habbias Mc Official (@HabbiasMc) March 12, 2023 Angola🇦🇴 and Mozambique🇬🇾 Our disagreements and competitions on social media are nothing more than #brother_talk, when the matter is serious we unite and become one. In the photos, Vigil night in honour of Rapper Azagaia at Angola🇦🇴. #PEOPLEINPOWER On the day of his burial, which took place on March 14, several people came together to the memorial services to say goodbye to the rapper. A massa juvenil em peso na despedida do mano #Azagaia na praça da Independência Povo no poder ✊🏽❤️🇲🇿 pic.twitter.com/Pt01oV9yQX — Cídia Chissungo (@Cidiachissungo) March 14, 2023 The youthful mass in weight at the farewell of bro #Azagaia in Independence Square People in power ✊🏽❤️🇲🇿 However, when the supporters went to the cemetery, they were stopped by the police who blocked one of the passages through which the funeral procession was supposed to pass, forcing the group to change their route although no one was arrested. To justify that action, the police said that the group used a prohibited street: Cortejo fúnebre de Azagaia condicionado Viúva e as filhas do rapper descem do carro e pedem à polícia para passar #azagaia #cerimoniasfunebres #opaisonline #opais #gruposoico pic.twitter.com/IK6UZ0BZ6g — O País Online (@opaisonline) March 14, 2023 Azagaia's funeral procession conditioned. Rapper's widow and daughters get out of car and ask police to pass #azagaia As a way of paying further tribute to the rapper, peaceful demonstrations were organised in different capital cities of Mozambique on March 18, including the capital Maputo. Temos o despacho oficial do Conselho Municipal de Maputo: não há nada que obste a realização da marcha neste sábado, dia 18. #Avancemos #PovonoPoder #Azagaia — Hortência Franco (@HortenciaFranc0) March 17, 2023 We have the official dispatch from the Maputo Municipal Council: there is nothing to prevent the march from taking place this Saturday, the 18th. #Avancemos #PovonoPoderono #Azagaia Moçambique, PRESENTE ✊🏾🇲🇿#POVONOPODER #AZAGAIA #Heroidajuventude pic.twitter.com/vX6xFNplam — Hortência Franco (@HortenciaFranc0) March 16, 202 Mozambique, PRESENT ✊🏾🇲🇿 However, on that day there were reports of acts of police obstruction, violence, and torture against citizens who wanted to honour Azagaia. Without apparent or justified reason, the Police of the Republic of Mozambique used force, including tear gas, to disperse the demonstrators who peacefully tried to demonstrate. There was no reason for the police action, as the march had been duly reported. Reports of the police action were made widely on social media: Era para ter sido uma marcha pacífica. Uma caminhada de minutos. Não era pra protestar contra o alto custo de vida ou outra coisa parecida. Era pra homenagear um rapper já morto. Porquê tanta violência contra civis? Queremos criar insurgents também no centro e sul? Bomba-relógio? pic.twitter.com/Ceulo8z9uG — Alexandre (@AllexandreMZ) March 18, 2023 It was supposed to be a peaceful march. A simple walk. It wasn't to protest against the high cost of living or anything like that. It was to honor a dead rapper.