WHAT IS KIZOMBA?

Kizomba is a genre of dance and a musical genre originating in Angola in 1984 Kizomba means “party” in Kimbundu, an Angolan language.

The origins of kizomba can be traced to late-1970s Africa, with influences variably attributed to Angola. Kizomba is characterised by a slower, romantic, more sensuous rhythm than the traditional Angolan semba dance. Kizomba music emerged as a more modern music genre with a sensual touch mixed with African rhythm and Haitian compas. Most kizomba songs are sung in Portuguese.

Cape Verdean singers and producers with kizomba compilations include Suzanna Lubrano, Kaysha, Atim, Nilton Ramalho, Johnny Ramos, Nelson Freitas, Mika Mendes, Manu Lima, Cedric Cavaco, Elji, Looney Johnson, Klazzik, Mark G, To Semedo, Beto Dias, Heavy H, Marcia, Gilyto, Kido Semedo, Ricky Boy, Klaudio Ramos, M&N Pro, Gilson, Gil, G-Amado, Philip Monteiro, Gama, Juceila Cardoso and Denis Graça. Original influential music styles from Cape Verde are funaná, morna, coladeira and batuque. Thanks to the French Antilles zouk music and the strong influence of semba (from Angola), Cape Verdean singers have developed significantly kizomba and zouk (mixing it with coladeira) known as cabo love or cola-dance. Moreover, every lusophone country has developed its own Kizomba music flavour.

Semba has been danced in the 1950s in Angola. In the 1990s, when the actual kizomba music got more and more popular, Angolan semba dancers started to adapt their semba steps according to the tempo and flavour of the Kizomba beats.

What style of Kizomba do we teach at Ubud Studio?

Dewa and Gung Is, our Kizomba teachers at Ubud Studio teach Kizomba Fusion. Kizomba can be found in different styles like Original Kizomba from Angola, modern Kizomba, Tarraxinha and more. Our teachers are using the best of each styles in their class in order for our student to be able to dance Kizomba all over the world on any kind of Kizomba music style.

Please click HERE to find our schedule at Ubud Studio. We have 2 beginners, 2 intermediate level1 and 1 intermediate level2 class per week as well as Kizomba Lady Styling twice a week.