Kizomba, The Dance That Unites Angola
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Loading... - Joseph Ocansey
- 30 Dec 2024
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Kizomba, a musical and dance genre that emerged nearly half a century ago, has recently been declared an intangible cultural heritage of Angola. This vibrant art form serves as a hallmark of a nation still grappling with the scars of war, characterized by unexploded mines, bullet-riddled buildings, and remnants of conflict scattered across its landscape. Despite these challenges, kizomba has become a unifying thread in Angola's cultural fabric since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
The genre blends African and Caribbean rhythms, resulting in a dance known for its soft cadence, elegant leg movements, and deep connection between partners. Kizomba encapsulates the complexities of Angola's history, intertwining themes of colonialism, civil conflict—which lasted until 2002—and contemporary life. Its lyrics often reflect the realities of the battlefield, everyday experiences, romance, and expressions of joy, as the term "kizomba" itself derives from the Quimbundo language, meaning "party" or "celebration."
In April, Angola officially recognized kizomba as an intangible cultural heritage, highlighting its significance in the nation's identity. Rui Djassi Moracén, founder of the University of Kizomba, emphasizes the genre's omnipresence in Angolan life: “Kizomba is part of our lives, but also of those who have gone to Europe or North America. It is something that belongs to every Angolan; we hear it every day on the radio, on television, in the street, while we cook… If you were born here, it is more than music or dance: it is a social element, a part of your identity.”
Eduardo Paím is often credited as the father of kizomba. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he is recognized for creating the genre in the early 1980s by infusing traditional semba music with Caribbean influences, such as souk. Paím describes kizomba as “poetry in steps,” emphasizing its expressive nature and the emotional depth it conveys.
The genre emerged as a cultural exchange between Angolans and European settlers, evolving into a symbol of cultural renaissance following Angola's independence. During the civil war, kizomba became a beacon of resistance and hope, and today it represents national heritage and pride. Eddy Vents, a professor and promoter of kizomba from Guinea-Bissau, notes that while the melody reflects a blend of interoceanic genres, it was in Portugal that kizomba gained international popularity, attracting fans from around the globe.
Kizomba's journey has transcended borders, reaching major cities in Europe and America. In Madrid, for instance, Jeissy Kevin Djaffy teaches kizomba classes and organizes international festivals. He remarks on the genre's evolution from a politically charged medium to a source of pure enjoyment. “We must bear in mind that dance is the only thing we have. We are a poor but happy continent,” he states, echoing Eduardo Paím’s sentiment that “kizomba is a milestone, a reference: it is the way in which Angola imposes itself in the world.”
Through its rich history and cultural significance, kizomba continues to unite Angolans and celebrate their identity, serving as a powerful reminder of resilience, joy, and the enduring spirit of a nation.
