On June 25, 1975, Mozambique achieved independence from Portugal following a protracted liberation struggle that was part of a broader wave of decolonization across Africa. The Carnation Revolution in Portugal in April 1974 facilitated this transition by weakening colonial rule and inspiring independence movements. Mozambique's independence marked a significant moment in African history, as it represented the triumph of anti-colonial efforts and the beginning of a new chapter for the nation, albeit one that would soon be marred by civil conflict.

Mozambican independence sparked a surge in Lusophone African poetry, with poets like Noémia de Sousa and José Craveirinha articulating the struggles for liberation and the complexities of post-colonial identity. Their works often reflect the tension between traditional values and modernity, shaping a vibrant literary landscape.