During the civil war in Mozambique, on December 29th, 1985, his father’s house in Malawi was attacked, and everything spoiled. It was his older brother’s anniversary, and his parents had bought some gifts. As watching the bandits taking everything, Rootspence approached the leader and demanded his new shoes back: the request was granted. That was the first sign of courage, determination and fight for what is right.

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The roots rock reggae influence comes from his origins, as Rootspence’s parents were great fans of musicians such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Gregory Isacs, Bunny Wailers, Lucky Dube, Miriam Makeba, Lucious Banda, Lucas Chikwakwa, Paul Banda, Alpha Blondy, UB40, Bill Ocean, Tina Turner, BB King, Don Williams.

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Rootspence’s creative side has been following him since his early age. During the primary and secondary education, he got involved with scenic arts, both at the church and school. He is one of the founding members of CATEST (Companhia Amadora de Teatro da Escola Secundaria de Tete), under the leadership of Petross Smith, with whom created several histories that were showcased live and online, at the Cenas Abertas program, at Radio Moçambique. After his parent’s death he have moved to Beira, where he met Antonio Apingar, with whom continued his creative work, as member of Massingita.

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Rootspence has always been musically gifted. When he was young he had a bandjo, and alongside Sergio Ntemansaka would pretend to be Bob Marley & The Wailers. Sister Esperança, from Catholic Church, impressed with his passion for music, integrated him in the Church Choir and taught him vocal techniques. However, it was not until after undergoing some major upheavals in his life that he became a professional Musician.

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Rootspence went to Gil Vicente Café Bar, to watch a live performance. There he met Ras Soto, who was right beside him enjoying the show as well. Suddenly Ras Soto approached Rootspence and said:

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         “Brethren, you got a great voice, and I would like us to do a featuring”.

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​Rootspence got the instrumental for “What Are You Waiting For” but did not record it because all that was new to him and he did not believe Ras Soto. It took two years, until Rootspence went to Elvis Pool Bar, where he sang karaoke for the 1st time, seeing all the room enjoying No Woman No Cry, under his command. That is when Roots went back to Ras Soto and recorded “Mi Name a Rootspence”, followed by his 1st composition “Only Love”, produced by JJ Alcapone. That was the seed of the Groove Makers.

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In parallel, Rootspence also engaged with his cousin Duppen (Edson Simao) and composed a song for Vodafone Mozambique Service Culture, entitled MELHOR. Because he wanted to create a Vodafone band, he engaged with several fellow artists working for Vodafone, among them Jhalil Wilson (Wilson Amaral). As Ras Soto went abroad to Comoro Islands, Rootspence continued the Groove Makers with Jhalil Wilson, establishing a professional karaoke service.

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The stage name Rootspence is a conjunction of Roots from Roots and Pence from Sixpence, given to him as the result of being a down to earth person, always very happy, simple, humble, classy and inspiring. His music is about mankind, love, respect, compassion, harmony, equity, equality, diversity and peace.

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Rootspence became studio recording addicted, spending most of his free time composing music. But something was missing: The Band.

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From 2013 until 2018 Rootspence and The Groove Makers, literarily Rootspence & Ras Soto, played with several Bands, trying to sell the idea behind the Groove Makers great plan, without success.

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In August 2019 Rootspence met Horacio “Snake” Muiambo, who was leading a Rock Band scheduled to perform at the Roots Crib Restaurant Bar & Lounge. During their time together Rootspence asked Snake about his capacity to play Reggae and assemble a Band for Rootspence & The Groove Makers. Snake accepted the challenge and organized a meeting with Carlos “Lithos” Macaringue, who then brought Julio “Big Tooth” Nhantumbo into play. The natural mystics begun, and the Four Man Band got settled, in November 2019:

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·         Rootspence – Lead vocals, composer, songwriter

·         Snake – Bass Guitar

·         Lithos – Guitar

·         Big Tooth – Drums

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In mid-2020 Big Tooth decided to go solo, and Orlando “Landos” Mondlane joined the band, followed by Jerry “Jermila” Matoi (percussion), Miranda “Mira” dos Santos (backing vocals) and Edson “Young Eddy” Mabuiango (keyboards).