José Ramos-Horta, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, stated that Luís Represas dedicated his artistic talent to defending the freedom and dignity of the Timorese people over several decades. This statement was made through a post on his Facebook social network.
Ramos-Horta emphasized that during a period when East Timor was under occupation and the suffering of its population was often neglected by the international community, Represas' song 'Timor' served as a powerful cry of solidarity, hope, and resistance. This work helped raise awareness and mobilize support from both Portuguese and international society.
The Timorese president also mentioned that Luís Represas' bond with East Timor did not cease after the restoration of independence, always keeping alive the friendship he cultivated with the country and its citizens. Ramos-Horta lamented the singer's passing, stating that his absence represents a great loss to Lusophone culture and to East Timor, where he will be remembered as an exceptional artist and a true friend of the people. He added that Represas' legacy will persist in his music and in the values of fraternity, hope, and solidarity that he defended.
The singer Luís Represas passed away on Wednesday at the age of 69 due to a prolonged illness. Born in Lisbon in 1956, he joined the founding core of Trovante at the age of 20. The group released the album 'Chão Nosso' and achieved national notoriety with their third record, 'Baile no Bosque', in 1981.
In the year of his death, the singer was celebrating 50 years of career, distributed between Trovante and his solo phase. He had performed in March at Meo Arena in Lisbon and at Pavilhão Rosa Mota in Porto. Additionally, two shows were scheduled for April 2027 at the coliseums of Lisbon and Porto.
Luís Represas' support for the independence of East Timor is well known. The song 'Timor', composed by João Gil and with lyrics by João Monge, originally from the album 'Um destes dias' (1990), rekindled the unity of Trovante in 1999 and became a central theme in the fight for Timorese independence. Later, the lyrics were translated into Tetum by Xanana Gusmão.
In 2000, Represas was invited by the then President of the Portuguese Republic, Jorge Sampaio, to accompany him on an official visit to East Timor. His merit was recognized by the Portuguese State in 2005, when he received the Order of Merit – Commander grade, and in 2016, he was decorated with the Medal of the Order of East Timor by President Taur Matan Ruak.
The President of the Republic highlighted the humanist spirit and solidarity demonstrated by the operatives who completed missions in Venezuela.
António José Seguro expressed his gratitude for the courage and competence of these professionals. Furthermore, the President addressed a message of recognition to the coordination of the Portuguese Government.
