Kizomba music was born the 80's, in Angola (Luanda) following the influences of traditional semba, zouk and compas music from the French Caribbean islands. The music emerged as a more modern genre with a sensual touch mixed with African rhythm. 

Unlike Semba, Kizomba music is characterised by a slower and usually very romantic rhythm. Given that Angola was formerly conlonize by Portugal, Portuguese is the primary language spoken in Angola. Thus most Kizomba songs are sung in Portuguese. However, early Kizomba songs were sung in Kimbundu and other national languages of Angola.

 

Today, Cape Verdean singers have gained a wide popularity with famous Kizomba singers like; Suzanna Lubrano, Johnny Ramos, Nelson Freitas, C4 Pedro, Baxoda and more. A lot of people are confused about the origin of Kizomba music and wrongly believe it comes from Cape Verde, due to the mass production of songs and artists who dereive from Cape Verde. In fact, the most popular music styles from Cape Verde are funana, morna, coladeira and batuque. Thanks to the French Antilles and thier gift of compas music, the strong influence of Kizomba is reflected on singers from the country and thier ability to develop their own version of zouk (mixed with coladeira),also known as; cabo love, cola-dance, cola-zouk, cabo-swing and ghetto zouk. Moreover, every lusophone country has developed its own Kizomba music flavour.

 

Ahh!!! Kizomba... You just have to learn this dance!