Skateboarding Through Mozambique: A Journey of Connection and Inspiration
Originally printed in Issue 14
Photography and words by Jonny Paterson
Over the winter period, Chibuco Beardmore-Pelembe and I set off to Mozambique. The impetus for our trip was a long-overdue reunion of Chib’s family that I felt lucky to be invited to, spanning over a decade of separation. Though not intended as a skate trip initially, we thought we would take our boards anyway, and try to skate where we could, as skateboarders often do.
There, amid the embrace of loved ones, another connection awaited us - one forged on the shared love for our favourite wooden toy, and little did we know the profound impact it would have on us.
Noel Cossa - ollie.
Before setting out, we reached out to local skaters, seeking their guidance and perhaps a chance to share an insight into their world. Safe to say what we experienced surpassed our expectations.
“Upon our reunion, my nephews Lunguille and Chibuco immediately displayed an immense curiosity towards our skateboards. Their eagerness to give it a try evoked a sense of nostalgia for the both of us. The bond formed through skateboarding became a delightful and heartwarming experience, as we witnessed their genuine excitement and shared in the joy of rediscovery.” - Chib
Chibuco Beardmore - kicker ollie, Maputo.
Chibuco Beardmore - backside tailslide, Maputo. Photo: Lunguille Bila.
Jonny Paterson - mayday, Maputo. Photo: Chibuco.
Our first skate of the trip was a spot in Maputo, a modest space tucked beside an athletics track, featuring weathered ramps bearing the scars of countless sessions. It was here that we had our first encounter with the local skate scene, meeting Gladson Mussago and Noel Cossa.
Venturing further, we stumbled upon the Maxaquene skatepark in Malhangalene, where we met more local skaters such as Junior Azarias Jalane and others. Nestled amidst urban confines, this DIY haven was a melting pot of talent, a testament to the power of collective action. Constructed through the efforts of organisations like Wonders Around the World and Skate World Better in collaboration with local groups like Maputo Skate and the Association of Skateboarding Mozambique, the park pulsated with energy, despite its humble surroundings.
Noel Cossa - nosegrind, Maxaquene.
Noel Cossa - frontside bluntslide, Maxaquene.
Junior Azarias Jalane - frontside ollie, Maxaquene.
Yet, beneath the surface lay a poignant reality - the struggle for accessibility. Here, skateboards were cherished commodities, shared amongst friends bearing the marks of wear and tear. The skatepark by the athletics track has a nominal maintenance fee of 100 Metical, a mere £1.24, because the care of the park is left to the people who use it as there is no organisation to oversee the development of the space. All of this shows a community committed to nurturing their passion despite limited resources. Neither odd wheels, mismatched trucks, or worn-out shoes slows this skate scene down.
The unwavering enthusiasm of the local skaters, their unbridled joy in the act of creation, spoke volumes, and it was where I found inspiration. It was a reminder of the privilege we often took for granted back home - the abundance of equipment and facilities at our disposal.
Noel Cossa - kickflip to the road.
And so, a seed was planted; a dream to give back, to share the gift of skateboarding with those who needed it most. As we bid farewell to Mozambique, we left behind more than just memories; we left our skateboards as tokens of our commitment to return and support this emerging community.
Looking ahead, I am filled with a sense of purpose. Our time in Mozambique has created a desire to make a difference, however small, in the lives of others, especially as skateboarding has always been a vehicle of positive change in my own life. The vision of returning with skateboards, helmets, pads, and shoes, of providing lessons and fostering safety, gives me the drive in my occupation. In a world often overshadowed by division and despair, Mozambique's skateboarding community stands as a beacon of hope, proof of the transformative power of passion and perseverance. And for that, I am forever grateful.
An unexpected encounter with a thriving skateboarding community has left an indelible mark on me, and with it, a pledge to return to Mozambique at the earliest opportunity. I have found my purpose—a purpose fuelled by the simple joy of skateboarding and the boundless potential it holds for us all.
Junior Azarias Jalane - heelflip.
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