What is Kizomba?

Kizomba, a partner dance that originated in Angola in the mid-1980s, emerged as a celebration of Angolan culture amid the pain of civil war. Today, it’s a beloved dance style that connects people worldwide.

Known for its close embrace, smooth circular movements, and distinct rhythms, Kizomba blends rich cultural history with accessible steps, making it approachable and enjoyable for all ages and skill levels.

Circular

Kizomba dancers move around each other in circular patterns, which helps maintain connection, support directional changes, and create a smooth, continuous flow.

Cadenced

The foundational movement in Kizomba is the passada—a smooth, natural walk that aligns with the rhythm and feel of the music. This walk is stylized through ginga.

Connected

Kizomba emphasizes a close, continuous connection between partners, where movement is led and felt through subtle body communication and touchpoints.

"Kizomba is the same as drinking water. Kids dance Kizomba, young people dance Kizomba. We communicate with Kizomba. It's our culture. It's us."

Dinamene Cruz, Angolan TV Presenter

A brief history of Kizomba

1975: Angolan Civil War and Independence

In 1975, Angola gained independence from Portugal after nearly 500 years of colonial rule. This historic moment was quickly eclipsed by the onset of the Angolan Civil War, a devastating conflict that deeply affected the nation's cultural identity.

Many Angolan families, facing a great deal of fear and uncertainty, sought refuge in Portugal. According to Portuguese law, any person born in a former Portuguese colony before 1975 was considered a Portuguese citizen, which helped many Angolans assimilate.

1980s: The Birth of Kizomba in Luanda

In the mid-1980s, Eduardo Paím and his group "SOS" founded a new genre of dance music called Kizomba, derived from the Kimbundu which means "there's a party at my house." Kizomba was created to help Angolans celebrate their heritage and reclaim their cultural identity amid the turmoil of continued civil war.

At the time, people were already dancing in the Semba style to Caribbean Zouk, which was popular across Africa at the time. Paím's Kizomba allowed people to dance in a similar way but with an Angolan flavor—and speaking directly to the Angolan heart.

Kizomba music is a melting pot of various influences:

Despite the playful, upbeat feel of the music, early Kizomba lyrics often expressed a deep longing for happier times, family, home, and familiar places. It created space for Angolans to connect with each other, revel in their culture, and find solace amid the pain and trauma of civil war.

"We were young people...The country was ours, and we were talking about hope, about freedom, about dance, sometimes the negative things that our society lives daily... Our great strength was the way that we could talk about ourselves with no restrictions. And always the love we had for [Angola], even when we were abroad."

Paulo Flores, Angolan musician

Kizomba in Portugal

In the cultural vacuum created by the civil war, Angolan immigrants—as well as those from other Portuguese-speaking African (PALOP) countries—yearned for familiar spaces to gather and find peace through community. They began gathering in homes to cook, eat together, and let their children play.

Kizomba music became a medium to discuss the political situation back home, helping Angolan immigrants maintain their African identity and adapt to life in Portugal. From the eldest to the youngest, everyone danced Kizomba.

House parties and gatherings by PALOP immigrants in Portugal kept traditions and family values alive. Nightclubs in Lisbon also played a significant role, though initially, African music, including Kizomba, was considered "lower class" by many Portuguese. It wasn't until 20 years later that broader interest in Kizomba grew.

Today: Kizomba's Global Influence

The Angolan Civil War lasted 27 years, ending in 2002. Decades after its inception, Kizomba has grown into a global phenomenon with competitions, parties, and workshops worldwide. Enthusiasts even travel to Luanda to learn from Kizomba champions. Kizomba continues to renew and celebrate Angola’s cultural identity on the world stage.

In the words of Angolan Kizomba educator Tania Mendonca, "The best and the worst moments of our lives are marked by Kizomba."

We hope this snapshot into the roots of Kizomba gives you a renewed appreciation for this beloved dance. Thanks for reading!

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