The President of East Timor, José Ramos-Horta, awarded the Insignia of the Order of East Timor to the musical duo Calema today in recognition of their “exceptional contribution to the promotion of the Portuguese language and Lusophone culture.”
António Mendes Ferreira and Fradique Mendes Ferreira were decorated at the Presidential Palace in Dili during a new visit to East Timor to perform at the TT Tasi Fest festival, which takes place this Friday and Saturday in the Timorese capital.
“Calema has become a contemporary symbol of Lusophone culture, with their music transmitting messages of unity, hope, and the appreciation of cultural identities,” stated José Ramos-Horta, quoted in a press release from the Presidency.
For the Timorese President, honoring the duo is honoring the “power of music and the Portuguese language to unite continents, generations, and cultures.”
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“Their work has had a particularly positive impact in East Timor, especially among Timorese youth, promoting a sense of belonging to the Lusophone community,” highlighted the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
José Ramos-Horta also emphasized Calema’s contribution to “strengthening cultural ties with other Lusophone peoples and promoting the values of fraternity, cultural diversity, and friendship among nations.”
Originally from São Tomé and Príncipe, the two brothers are leading figures in contemporary Lusophone music.
The duo is responsible for hit songs such as “A Nossa Vez,” “Te Amo,” “Amar pela Metade,” and “Leva Tudo,” reaching the global number-one spot in the “Portuguese Dance” category in 2025.
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The Order of East Timor aims to recognize the merit and dedication of nationals or foreigners who have contributed to the well-being of East Timor, the Timorese people, or humanity. The Order of East Timor was created in 2009 and consists of four grades: Grand Collar, Collar, Medal, and Insignia.
At the XV Conference of Heads of State and Government of the CPLP, held on July 18, 2025, in Bissau, the musicians were appointed “CPLP Goodwill Ambassadors” for a four-year term, which is renewable for equal periods.
The IX Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers in July 2004 established the role of “CPLP Goodwill Ambassador” with the aim of “broadly promoting the objectives and disseminating the activities of the CPLP,” according to a statement from the organization.
The CPLP is composed of Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and East Timor.
