Dilon Djindji (August 14, 1927 – September 18, 2024) was a Mozambican marrabenta musician, singer, and guitarist from Marracuene. Djindji is recognized as a primary architect of modern marrabenta. During his youth, Djindji constructed improvised instruments and gave a first public performance at age 12. Before pursuing a full-time music career, Djindji worked as a pastor, farmer, and miner in South Africa beginning in 1950. In 1952, Djindji recorded his first tracks in South Africa. By 1960, Djindji introduced stylistic changes to the marrabenta genre. Djindji performed with the ensemble Estrelas de Marracuene and joined the group Mabulu in 2000, participating in six European tours through 2005. International solo recordings include the albums Dilon (2002), Xiguindlana (2015), and O Rei da Marrabenta (2020). Djindji attributed his longevity to abstaining from alcohol and tobacco. Djindji died in Marracuene on September 18, 2024.
