What is Kizomba?

Kizomba is a music and dance genre that originated in Angola in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was born from a deep cultural exchange between African and Caribbean traditions, combining the rhythmic richness of Semba—the predecessor of Brazilian samba—with influences from Zouk and Haitian Compas, brought from the French Antilles by groups like Kassav’.

This fusion gave birth to a music style with a strong, steady beat that invites close embrace and body connection in the dance.

The word “Kizomba” comes from Kimbundu (one of Angola’s national languages) and literally means “party” or “celebration.”

Although it originated in Luanda, Kizomba grew within a multicultural environment, influenced by other Portuguese-speaking countries like Cape Verde, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe, as well as French-speaking Caribbean nations like Haiti, Martinique, and Guadeloupe, and even some Latin American migrations.

In the 1990s, artists like Eduardo Paim—considered the father of Kizomba—brought the genre to Portugal, from where it quickly spread across Europe and the world. Also key to its development was Mestre Petchu, who created the educational project “Geometria da Kizomba,” a codification system for Angolan dances used as a teaching guide.

Today, Kizomba is not just a rhythm or a dance. It is an expression of identity, a cultural and social manifestation that has transcended borders, keeping Angolan roots alive and connecting hearts across continents.

📌 It’s important to clarify that the term “traditional Kizomba” is incorrect. There’s no such thing — it’s simply Kizomba.

🕺 How is Kizomba danced?

Kizomba is a partner dance performed in close embrace, where connection and movement between the couple are central, and have nothing to do with sexual intent.

It was born as a social dance, often shared with family and friends at kidombadas or farras (parties), backyard gatherings, and musseques (poor neighborhoods) of Angola—and now, all over the world.