The word kizomba means: celebration, friendly gathering, party
This young style is originated from Africa, from Portugese colonies (Angola) in the 1980s. It is a dance and music style at the same time, that merges different African music trends with the authentic Zouk that is originated from French Antillas.
Its tone is rather similar to modern zouk but not identical with it as kizomba is more syncoped and down-beat.
Trends
– Angolan kizomba (merge of semba and zouk) and
– kizomba from cabo verdei, that relates for example to the European mazurka dance and that is also called passada (merge of coladeira and zouk)
Besides these there are other trends (music) like the ones from São Tomé és Principe (middle Africa), which is influenced mostly by the Angolan and Cabo Verde music culture. (kizomba, kadence)
One of its main predecessors is semba which is not to be mixed up with samba though it is also the origin of Brasilian samba.
The main instruments of semba: drums, guitar, reco-reco.
Music
It has a simple, 4/4 rhytm, its footwork is based on afro, that means it is danced with slightly bended knees, full feet on the ground and loose hips.
Its leading technique is similar to Argentinian Tango. From the belly button up it is tight poised, there is no isolation with shoulders or chest and men lead mainly with their chest movements. The dance itself is characterised by light and continuous walking.