In 1961, in one of the many parties to which Max was invited to perform in Lisbon, he would have suggested in a conversation to one of the guests, the Minister of the Army (Brigadeiro Mário Silva), the idealization of a show for the troops placed in the colonies, an example of what had been done in America during the Korean War. According to friends, José Marques and Antero Gonçalves, the conversation could have ended there, revealing only the artist's intention of giving some emotional comfort to those who were away from home. To his surprise, the singer Max would be contacted a few weeks later, by the Ministry of Defense, to start preparations for that show based on one premise, one of his creations - O Magala (o famoso Soldado 31). The show then conceived was called “Embaixada da Saudade” or (”Caravana da Saudade”) and was shown first in Angola (1961) and then in Mozambique (1962). The chosen cast included two rising artists, singer Saudade dos Santos and accordionist Filipe de Brito, singers Maria Marise, Maria Cândida and dancers Isaac and Pascoal. The musical accompaniment was delivered to the José Mesquita Ensemble, with the show's experienced Luís Gonzaga as artistic director of the Show. There was also a vast team of resources and technical support and the general logistics was the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense. Max was the patron and the big star of the show, gathering all the guiding line of the performance around him. The official announcement of the (“Caravana da Saudade”) tour took place before the departure for Angola, on July 13, 1961, and the Minister of the Army received the artists before the national press. The itinerant show had a planned route. The mission was to travel Angola from north to south and that was how it happened. In 30 days, 35 presentations were made, 26 of which were dedicated to the Portuguese Armed Forces stationed inside the territory. The artists were moved on Portuguese Air Force planes in a real military operation. The last concert in Luanda was the farewell to Max and guests at the “Restauração” Theater. The media followed them everywhere, recording the various moments of Max's interaction, the face of this initiative, in his visit to the barracks, military hospital, public entities and the local population. The artist received a smile of sympathy from everyone, autographing many of his photos and records for his admirers at various sessions. During his time in Luanda, Max also had time to visit and perform, with Madeiran musicians Zeca da Silva and Fernando Olim who were hired there in one of the night clubs with live music. On August 21, 1961, the tour of Angola ended. Returning to Lisbon, all the artists were received and honored by the Portuguese Government, with a special mention for the Madeiran Maximiano de Sousa (Max).

Text:@Vitor Sardinha