Born in Moçambique on June 6, 1936. In 1958 he attended the art center, where he met the painter Zé Júlio who supports him. In 1971 it is Gulbenkian scholarship holder in engraving and ceramics, and contacts for the first time with a non-Mozambican, non-African society.

In 1973 he returned to Portugal. Europe; traveling through several countries, visiting many ateliers, museums and galleries. In 1980 he returned to Maputo and was Appointed director of the Crafts Department, spending a great deal of time supporting and developing artisans' cooperatives in Maputo. In 1985 he began to dedicate himself solely to the Fine Arts.

In 1997 he was named Artist for Peace by UNESCO. Malangatana was awarded the Nachingwea Medal for his contribution to Mozambican culture, and was named Grand Officer of the Order of Infante D. Henrique.

He passed away on January 5, 2011, in Matosinhos.