Neco Novellas

Neco Novellas, born Anselmo Joao Johanhane in Maputo, Mozambique, hails from a deeply musical family where traditional Mozambican music mingled with jazz, folk, and Western influences from an early age. His father, a multi-instrumentalist, and his mother, a traditional singer, immersed Neco and his siblings in music and dance, shaping their unique style that they call "Novellas Music for the World." This sound combines jazz, classical, and authentic African rhythms, brought to life by Neco’s silky, deep voice and multi-lingual lyrics in local Mozambican dialects, Portuguese, English, and South African languages. Neco studied classical guitar and singing in Portugal and the Netherlands, further developing his musical skills and expanding his artistic range while continuing to collaborate with his family and other musicians globally.

Known for blending jazz-pop-folk fusions, Neco Novellas crafts universal music that transcends language barriers, sharing stories about daily life, nature, and cultural rituals. His live performances often feature his siblings, emphasizing a collective memory and storytelling approach rooted in Mozambican traditions. Over the years, he has worked with international artists and groups and participated in workshops, introducing Mozambican music to new audiences. His recent releases include singles like "Caught a Light (Mantra)," showcasing his ongoing evolution as an artist who seamlessly bridges traditional and contemporary musical worlds.