Urbano de Castro (1940–1987) was a pioneering figure in Angolan music, celebrated for his role in the development of semba and the golden era of pre-independence Angolan sound. Known for his powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics, he blended traditional rhythms with urban influences that reflected the cultural and political awakening of his time. Alongside contemporaries like David Zé and Artur Nunes, de Castro helped shape the musical identity of modern Angola, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the nation’s most influential vocalists and cultural icons.