José Afonso: Biography, Facts and Career
Who is José Afonso? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.

José Manuel Cerqueira Afonso dos Santos (2 August 1929 – 23 February 1987), known professionally as José Afonso and also popularly known as Zeca Afonso, was a Portuguese singer-songwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Portugal's folk and protest music scene. His music played a significant role in the resistance against the dictatorial Estado Novo regime, making him an icon in Portugal. Afonso's song "Grândola, Vila Morena" was used as a radio-broadcast signal by the Armed Forces Movement during their military coup operation in the morning of 25 April 1974, which led to the Carnation Revolution and the transition to democracy in Portugal. Subsequently, Afonso's music, along with "Grândola, Vila Morena," became emblematic of the revolution, anti-fascism, the Portuguese labor movement, and the political left.
Quick facts about José Afonso
- Full name: José Afonso
- Born: 1929-08-02
- Nationality: Portugal
- Known as: Musician
- Wikidata ID: Q559269
Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.
Frequently asked questions
Who is José Afonso?
José Manuel Cerqueira Afonso dos Santos (2 August 1929 – 23 February 1987), known professionally as José Afonso and also popularly known as Zeca Afonso, was a Portuguese singer-songwriter.
What nationality is José Afonso?
José Afonso is Portugal.
When was José Afonso born?
José Afonso was born on 1929-08-02.



