Where is Kizomba From?

 Kizomba originated in Angola, Southern Africa in the late 1970s and was influenced by the hip circles and shadowing movements of the native Semba dance. Semba had been danced in the 1950s in Angola. Kizomba means "party" in Kimbundu, an Angolan language. Kizomba music and dance rose in popularity in the 1990s and are characterized by a slower, deliberate, more sensual rhythm peculiar to French Antillean compas and zouk. In fact, it was after hearing music from the French Antilles, Angolan musicians attempted to mimic the sounds while adding a very heavy and highly recognizable drumbeat – similar to that of reggae. Angola was a Portuguese colony until 1951, so most kizomba songs are written and performed in Portuguese. Newer kizomba musicians sing partially in English to appeal to an international audience. Additionally, popular American and European songs have been remixed by kizomba deejays to reflect a kizomba pattern and sound. These remixed songs have caused the music and dance to be accessed by audiences in places like North America.  In the 1990s, when kizomba music grew in popularity, Angolan semba dancers started to adapt their semba steps to kizomba tempo. Then, it took off across Europe and then around the world.