Dondo - The ringleader of carnival group Estrelas de Cacesse, in the municipality of Cambambe (Cuanza Norte), António Abílio, died on Tuesday afternoon, at the age of 65, a victim of illness, in a health unit in the country's capital.
According to a family source, the dancer was admitted to the Prenda hospital, in an emergency situation, where he was diagnosed, for the first time, with kidney problems and did not survive during the medical assistance he received.
António Abílio was in Luanda dealing with family matters.
The commander of Estrelas de Cacesse became famous in the cultural world, in the 90s, when he assumed leadership of the emblematic carnival group, with more than 80 years of existence.
The group, which won the trophy in 2023, has won carnival several times in the province of Cuanza Norte and is recognized for its “Sussumuna” dance style. It brings together around 300 revelers. This year, it was in 6th position.
In February, in an interview with ANGOP, António Abílio, informed that the group is in a generational transition phase, with the integration of young people, to preserve the region's cultural identity.
He was also a co-founding member of the sports group Recreativo da Eka, from the junior levels until his withdrawal from the First Division of National Football (Girabola) in 1993. MF/IMA/ART/CF/DOJ
