“Heeee he, já chegou Djovana…” — anyone familiar with Mozambique’s hip-hop scene in Beira since the late 1990s will recognize this iconic line. The track launched the collective Djovana into the spotlight—and among its voices, one stood out: Big Baby, known today as Nilsa Mosele.
Born and raised in Beira in a family of eight children, Nilsa discovered music and dance early, creating homemade instruments and performing with her siblings. At 14, she won her first music competition, sparking her passion for the stage. At 16, she joined Djovana, a project initiated by Swiss cultural partners, leading to international tours across Switzerland, Germany, and South Africa.
Now based in Switzerland for over 25 years, Nilsa has evolved into a versatile singer-songwriter. After studying jazz in Bern, she launched her solo career, releasing four albums: Mamã (2005), Aphale (2010), Eu Sou de Cor (2012), and Salada Moçambicana (2018).
With her new singles “Sofala” and “Emilia,” Nilsa shares deeply personal stories.
“In Sofala, I search for my musical roots. The song recalls my childhood with my grandmother in rural Mozambique – no television, no telephone, but a life shaped by community, dance, and music,” says Nilsa. “At the heart of the song is Utsi, a traditional dance accompanied by drummers.”
Speaking about “Emilia,” she explains:
“Emilia was inspired by an encounter with my niece. When I complimented her on how beautiful she had become, she confidently replied, ‘I know.’ The song is a loving encouragement to young women not to rely solely on their beauty, but to follow their own path, pursue education, and become independent.”
With her band, she has performed on renowned stages across Europe, captivating audiences with energetic, soulful performances that turn every show into a powerful cultural experience.
From Rap and Hip-Hop to Vocals and Afro Rhythms
In 2005, Nilsa released her first solo album, **Mamã**. While still deeply rooted in rap and hip-hop, she and
her musical partner Rolf Mosele had already begun incorporating African sounds and grooves into their
music. Together with her band, she performed at renowned venues such as **Moods Zurich**, **PROGR
Bern**, and **Mühle Hunziken**, as well as at festivals including **Montreux** and concerts in **Berlin**.
With her following albums, **Aphale** (2010) and **Eu Sou de Cor** (2012), Nilsa gradually evolved from a
rapper into a singer-songwriter. She took vocal lessons, studied at the Bern Jazz School, and learned to
play guitar and percussion. Today, she is a versatile artist with an extensive repertoire of original
compositions, ranging from heartfelt ballads to vibrant dance songs.
Her album **Salada Moçambicana** (2018) is a lively musical journey through the diverse rhythms of
Mozambique—from **Utsi** and **Mandoa** in the country's central region to **Marrabenta** and
**Ngalanga** from the south, and the **Tufo**-influenced sounds of the north. Singing in Portuguese, Sena,
English, and Spanish, Nilsa blends tradition with contemporary influences while addressing themes such as
youth unemployment, social change, and cultural identity.
With her distinctive style and boundless energy, Nilsa has established herself as a unique voice on the
Swiss music scene. Her performances captivate audiences and get even the most reluctant listeners
dancing. Along the way, she has collaborated live and in the studio with artists including **Steff la Cheffe**,
**Greis**, **Dabu Fantastic**, **Famara**, **Chica Torpedo**, **Freda Goodlett** (*Funky Brotherhood*), **JJ's
Hausband**, **Grand Mother's Funck**, as well as internationally acclaimed musicians such as **Dobet
Gnahoré**, **Georg Gruntz**, **Eric Wainaina**, and **Akil the MC** (*Jurassic 5*).
Djovana – From Mozambique to Europe
Nilsa's musical journey began with hip-hop and the group **Djovana**, with whom she celebrated her first
successes.
"I actually just wanted a cassette recording of my own voice," Nilsa recalls with a smile when talking about
the beginnings of her career. What started as the modest wish of a teenage girl soon turned into an
extraordinary musical journey that took her from Mozambique to South Africa, across Europe, and
eventually to Switzerland.
The story began in 1995, when two young Swiss musicians moved to the port city of Beira in Mozambique
and launched a music project for local young people. Through workshops and music classes, they
discovered four talented young rappers whose creativity and energy immediately impressed them. Nilsa
was one of those four.
"I used to sing a lot at home, and when I was eleven I entered a playback competition for the first time—
and won," she remembers.
Through her cousin, she met the two Swiss musicians and learned about their project. Ironically, she wasn't
interested in joining at first.
"I wasn't really interested in the project—I just wanted to record one of my songs," she says.
But things turned out differently: Nilsa became a member of **Djovana**.
First Tour to Switzerland
Djovana quickly became a successful project. The group performed not only throughout Mozambique but
also toured South Africa and Europe. In the winter of **1997**, Djovana performed in Switzerland for the first
time, accompanied by several Swiss musicians who had spent a month rehearsing with the group in
Mozambique.
More Swiss tours followed. In **1998**, the band performed in front of **25,000 people** at the **OpenAir St.
Gallen**, one of Switzerland's largest music festivals.
In **2001**, Nilsa packed her bags and moved to Europe permanently. Among the Swiss musicians
performing with Djovana was guitarist **Rolf Mosele**. It didn't take long before music turned into love, and
it was this relationship that ultimately brought Nilsa to Switzerland.
Today, Nilsa and Rolf are married and have two children.