HAVE SAX, WILL TRAVEL
Musician Moreira Chonguica tells us the spot that makes him feel like a kid in candy store, and where to eat in his hometown, Maputo
HOW OFTEN DO YOU TRAVEL?
Regularly. Last year I went to Cape Town, Rio and Havana, as well as travelling in Mozambique to Ilha de Mozambique, Nampula and Inhambane. It’s the nature of my work.
WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT HOLIDAY?
I need a good travelling companion, a good plan, patience and a sense of humour.
YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF TRAVELLING ABROAD?
When I was a boy, my family used to drive to visit friends and family in Joburg. I recall the long drive — we always had music in the car.
FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION?
I have been to some amazing places but I would have to say New Orleans. For me, as a jazz musician, going to New Orleans is like being a child in a candy store. There is jazz music on every street, in every restaurant.
In addition, the melting pot of cultures is extraordinary and there are several cultural activities on at any one time — art exhibits, museums, historic homes. Its mind-blowing and should be on every person’s bucket list.
BEST HOLIDAY EVER?
As a working musician, I have been fortunate enough to see many wonderful places. A few extra days on either side of a gig is the most holiday I can hope for. I love tapping into the cultural pulse of a country, so wherever I have been able to do that has been a great trip.
MOST RELAXING DESTINATION?
Pemba in northern Mozambique is one of the most relaxing places in the world. It is as beautiful as Mauritius but less commercialised.
The hotels are magnificent and the beaches are spectacular. Inhambane is also a beautiful part of Mozambique and is becoming very popular.
FAVOURITE RESTAURANT?
I have eaten in some spectacular places. Willoughby & Co in Cape Town is among my favourites. Zambi in Maputo is world class, as is Bom Garfo.
FAVOURITE CITY?
New York is fascinating and exciting and I love the pace; Hong Kong is a similar experience.
MOST ADVENTUROUS TRAVEL EXPERIENCE?
A few years ago, I bungee jumped off the Storms River Bridge in the Eastern Cape. The adrenaline rush was insane.
FAVOURITE HOTEL?
I don’t have a favourite hotel. I have stayed in magnificent and mediocre hotels all over the world. If the hotel has good wifi, I am happy.
BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE?
Make sure your credit cards have money on them because you are always going to want to buy something when you are travelling.
WHAT’S YOUR ONE TRAVEL ESSENTIAL?
Five essentials: passport and valid visas, headphones, music, shades and credit cards.
WHERE ARE YOU GOING NEXT?
Kyoto, Japan.
Chonguica will perform at International Jazz Day in Maputo on April 30 and at the Africa Festival in Würzburg, Germany, in May.