Explore Kizomba on Josplay Music Kizomba is a sensuous, appealing music genre with synthesized guitar arpeggios and a strong bassline. The sensuality of the sound is inextricably associated with the dance, in which couples move to a sensuous, languid, passionate rhythm.
Kizomba is a popular style of Angolan dance and music that emerged in the early 1990s and has become known for its sensual flow and mix of African and Latin rhythms. Although the dance has existed since the 1980s, it wasn’t until Eduardo Paim that the genre emerged as a slowed version of semba and zouk songs.
Influenced By: Semba
When discussing the origins of the genre, Eduardo Paim, who is regarded as the creator of Kizomba, states, “This process began around 1981 with groups like Afro Sound Star and later SOS. The movement we initiated with Afro Sound Star was inspired by this group, which embraced kilapanda as a reference style. However, I was excited by various influences, particularly the latest elements I could gather from semba and our merengue, as well as the connections we formed with Latin America. These references ultimately allowed me to unintentionally develop a sound that resonated with people. As a result, Angolan music once again became an integral part of the lives of Angolans.”A few enthusiasts say people do not dance Kizomba, they do the Semba steps in non-semba music like Kizomba." Kizomba dance reached greater heights when the war ended and the youth took it as an important expression of art. The first national kizomba championship organized in 2009 was won by Dilson Rosario, and this gave him a chance to come to Europe, bringing the spectacular Kizomba dance to the Europeans in its rawest form.
The 2000s saw the genre take on a more modern approach influenced by R&B, and marked by a much slower tempo and electronic instrumentation.
Kizomba music evolved from a synthesis of Semba, Angolan Merengue, Kilapanga, and other Angolan music influences: It slowed down the tempo of songs and added a heavier bass line to the instrument arrangement. Eduardo Paim is often regarded as the "father/creator of Kizomba music," since he and his band had a significant impact in the evolution of the music style.
Kizomba is usually slow to mid tempo with light instrumentation.
Kizomba usually has a 4 on 4 kick with light drums and membrane percussion. The 4 on 4 kick is accompanied by a 4:2 snare drum or rimshot rhythm . A conga or any other membrane drum comes between the second and third beat.