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Mozambican musician, composer and actor Xavier Machiana has qualified for the grand final of the international rock competition Hard Rock Rising after winning the third round held at Hard Rock Cafe Sandton in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The victory came on the night of 16 September and was decided by votes from the audience. With the result, Machiana became the first Mozambican artist to win a round of the competition.
The grand final is scheduled for 23 September, also in Johannesburg, where winners from the different stages will compete for the 2026 title.
The competition brings together emerging artists from 34 countries and is being held across 64 Hard Rock Cafe venues. The overall winner will receive a professional recording session, a $10,000 prize and the opportunity to perform at Hard Rock Live Orlando in the United States.
“Stepping onto that stage was already a victory for me and for Mozambique. Hearing my name announced as the winner of the night was a moment I will remember forever,” Machiana said.
The artist added that the achievement also reflects the work of his team and the support received throughout the competition.
“This is not mine alone — it belongs to everyone who believed, supported us and made this journey possible, starting with the musicians who were with me on stage. We will continue to represent our country with pride, whatever the final result,” he said.
During the Johannesburg performance, Machiana was accompanied by Ebenezer Sengo on guitar, Realdo Salato on bass, Livio Monjane on keyboards, Sarmento Cristo on saxophone and Ivan Ferreira on drums.
By qualifying for the final, Machiana will once again represent Mozambique in an international competition aimed at showcasing emerging rock talent from around the world.
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