ABOUT PAULO CHEMANE

Stories From Mozambique,
Created For A New Generation

Paulo Chemane is a Mozambican-born author, artist and animator based in Brisbane, Australia.

His work is rooted in the stories, games, music and oral traditions that shaped his childhood in Maputo. Through books, illustration and visual storytelling, Paulo is preserving those memories and sharing them with children and families around the world.

At the heart of his work is a simple idea: the stories we grow up with are worth passing on.

Keeping the stories alive

Paulo comes from a family of musicians and writers, and storytelling has always been part of his life.

His work is driven by a desire to preserve the games, folklore and memories he grew up with and pass them on to his daughters and future generations.

Through books such as Games of My Street and The Dark Side of the River, Paulo shares stories that help African and multicultural children see themselves represented, while introducing families everywhere to the richness of Mozambican culture.

For Paulo, these stories are not just memories. They are something worth carrying forward.

“The stories, games and traditions I grew up with shaped who I am. I want to keep them alive, so my daughters — and children everywhere — can carry them forward.”

— Paulo Chemane

Beyond the page

Explore Paulo's World

Explore the Books Wear The Stories

Paulo’s creative work extends beyond writing.

After moving to Australia in 2007, he studied animation and music production at JMC Academy in Brisbane.

His goal is to bring his stories to life through books, illustration, animation, film and music—creating immersive experiences that allow African stories to reach audiences around the world.

Chemane says that although he calls games of his street, they resonate with any child or adult today who once played traditional games because children played similar games worldwide.

Paulo and Kate celebrate outdoor play, arguing that games beyond four walls unlock children’s freedom, joy, and boundless laughter. Their conversation highlights how shared activity builds a thriving, caring community, creating a world where kids feel safe, imaginative, and at peace.

The Next Chapter

Paulo continues to develop new stories, artwork and visual projects inspired by Mozambique, childhood and the traditions that shaped him.

His ambition is to build a creative world where books, animation, art and music work together—allowing these stories to reach children and families in many different ways.

Every story begins somewhere.

For Paulo, many of them began on the streets of Maputo.

And now, they are being passed on.
The Dark Side of the River Paperback

The Dark Side of the River Paperback

The Dark Side of the River Paperback
$34.99 AUD
Games Of My Street Paperback

Games Of My Street Paperback

Games Of My Street Paperback
$34.99 AUD
The Dark Side of the River Paperback

The Dark Side of the River Paperback

The Dark Side of the River Paperback
$34.99 AUD