The Flamingo Project with Cassi Namoda

December 2025

Earlier this month we invited incredible Mozambican artist, Cassi Namoda to Kisawa, to create a workshop for the Benguerra Island school children.

Cassi’s concept was inspired by the poem of Camões Prize winning writer, Mia Couto – The Last Flight of the Flamingo (2000).

“Today, I shall make my last flight! But, where is he going to fly to?

To some spot where there is no place.

Why such a journey devoid of return?

Ah! Although it is far it is not distant. Please don’t go!

I must go!

Look at me, I who have never flown carrying my wings like two distant yearnings.

And yet my steps have only encountered happiness.

— Ostrich to Flamingo

I can’t have grown tired of living in one body.

I don’t want to come to land anymore. I just want to come rest.”

Ultimately, the flamingo becomes tired of walking the earth & decides to make a journey with no return – flying into the sun.

This is where the idea of the pink sunset originates, and it became the central spark for the day.

“When you picture the flamingo flying into the sun, what feelings or colours do you see?”, Cassi Namoda.

Each child created the own sundown shade, contributing to a collective, epic sunset.

“Different pinks, different emotions, different hands – all part of the same story“.

A deep thank you to Cassi for this wonderful day, one that the children and our Kisawi team will never forget. And special thanks to Querino for working with the wonderful teachers of the Benguerra Island Primary School to make this happen, and our tailor, Julião, for weaving together the final piece.

Please enjoy the activity from the day. Video by Ritchie Hunt.