In 2014, a band was formed to revive music from the East Timorese resistance (Freedom Fighters) through their struggle for Independence from Indonesian occupation and to honour songs from the past that are now part of a long history. In collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office for Veterans Affairs and Wantok Musik, ‘Maubere Timor’ was born. This project recorded an album of 12 songs that delivers an array of tracks both uplifting and melancholic to demonstrate years of hope and isolation within a nation.

 Maubere Timor is an ensemble of old school Timor-Leste veterans who spread their love of power in speech and songs of their past that will solidify their heroic history and the memory of the resistance movement for future generations. Recorded by David Bridie at Wantok Studios in Melbourne, it traces the history of these men who used music as cultural and political resistance as a way of spreading messages of hope in support of their struggle for national liberation within East Timor. Song was their last and only hope in spreading awareness in support of their battle for liberty and these messages were filled with experiences and adventures of war, preparation for guerrilla fighters and to instil hope in others to continue their battle for Independence - which they eventually gained.

In 2020, Maubere Timor, were honoured to present their Music of Resistance at Womad, in Adelaide’s Botanic Park. The show was received with high acclaim and much reverence from local supporters, media and festival organisers.

The music has also taken on a new dimension as the youth of Timor are reconnecting with their history and culture through this project. Joining the veterans are a band of young Timorese dancers who use movement and costume to rekindle their relationship with their traditions.

The music is available to purchase through Bandcamp: https://mauberetimor.bandcamp.com/releases