Angola–Brazil relations Angola–Brazil relations Angola–Brazil relations refers to the historical and current bilateral relationship between Angola and Brazil. Brazil was the first country to recognize the independence of Angola, in November 1975. Commercial and economic ties dominate the relations of each country. Both countries are former colonies under the Portuguese Empire; Brazil from the early 16th century until its independence in 1822, and Angola until its independence in 1975. Due to their status as former Portuguese colonies and the transatlantic slave trade, Brazil and Angola have a long and important history of economic ties. Period of the transatlantic slave trade In 1646,
Angola–Brazil relations and Portuguese, and Brazilian merchants in the then-illegal transatlantic slave trade. Music and dance A "cross-fertilization" of musical cultures and dances occurred in the Atlantic triangle beginning in the 17th and 18th centuries via cultural exchange. As a result of this exchange, both countries share a rich history of mixed Afro-Iberian musical traditions, such as the prevalence of the guitar, or "viola". An example of early dance exchange is the "umbigada", or belly blow, a "basic feature of many dances imported to Brazil and Portugal from the Congo-Angola region". Angola–Brazil relations Angola–Brazil relations refers to the historical and current bilateral