One of the most influential poets in Angolan history and a fighter for Angolan independence from Portugal. His best-known poems include "So Santo," "Makezu," and "Namoro."
He was one of the co-founders of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola in the 1960s.
He spent the later years of his life in political exile in China.
He was raised in the small town of Kkovu, Porto Amboim.
He and fellow Angolan poet Mario Andrade were key figures in the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola.