Kizomba is an African rhythm, developed in Angola mostly since the late 70s with influences from other Lusophone countries. Kizomba is a result of an evolution: young generations, listening to traditional music like Semba, felt something was missing - a modern and sensual touch. Adding an electronic percussion with a slow and extremely sensual rhythm…Kizomba was born.
It is known for having a slow, insistent, somewhat harsh, yet sensuous rhythm and is considered to be a fusion of Semba (a predecessor of samba) with ‘Zouk’ influences coming from the French Caribbean Islands. The Kizomba dancing style is very sensual and dancing Kizomba is a unique experience – standing really close together, partners move in sensual wavy movement, where leading and being led finds a new dimension. In Cape Verde Islands it is known as “Cabo Love”, as it is ideally danced accompanied by a partner, very smoothly and slowly, though not too tightly.
The influence of the Angolan Kizomba is felt in most Portuguese speaking African countries, but It is also spreading to a number of clubs in Portugal (mostly in Lisbon), where communities of immigrants have established a steady number of successful clubs on the genre. In Angola most clubs are based in Luanda.