• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

International Salsa Magazine

  • Home
  • Previous editions
    • 2025
      • ISM / May2025
      • ISM / April 2025
      • ISM / March 2025
      • ISM / February 2025
      • ISM / January 2025
    • 2024
      • ISM / December 2024
      • ISM / November 2024
      • ISM / October 2024
      • ISM / September 2024
      • ISM / August 2024
      • ISM / July 2024
      • ISM / June 2024
      • ISM / May 2024
      • ISM / April 2024
      • ISM / March 2024
      • ISM / February 2024
      • ISM / January 2024
    • 2023
      • ISM / December 2023
      • ISM / November 2023
      • ISM / October 2023
      • ISM – September 2023
      • ISM – August 2023
      • ISM July 2023
      • ISM Edition June 2023
      • ISM – May 2023
      • ISM April 2023
      • ISM March 2023
      • ISM February 2023
      • ISM January 2023
    • 2022
      • ISM December 2022
      • ISM November 2022
      • ISM October 2022
      • ISM September 2022
      • ISM August 2022
      • ISM July 2022
      • ISM June 2022
      • ISM May 2022
      • ISM February 2022
      • ISM January 2022
    • 2021
      • ISM December 2021
      • ISM November 2021
      • ISM October – 2021
      • ISM September 2021
      • ISM August 2021
      • ISM July 2021
      • ISM May 2021
      • ISM April 2021
      • ISM June 2021
      • ISM March 2021
      • ISM February 2021
      • ISM January 2021
    • 2020
      • ISM December 2020
      • ISM November 2020
      • ISM October 2020
      • ISM September 2020
      • ISM August 2020
      • ISM July 2020
      • ISM June 2020
      • ISM May 2020
      • ISM April 2020
      • ISM March 2020
      • ISM February 2020
      • ISM January 2020
    • 2019
      • ISM December 2019
      • ISM November 2019
      • ISM October 2019
      • ISM Septembre 2019
      • ISM August 2019
      • ISM July 2019
      • ISM June 2019
      • ISM May 2019
      • ISM April 2019
      • ISM March 2019
      • ISM February 2019
      • ISM January 2019
    • 2018
      • ISM December 2018
      • ISM November 2018
      • ISM October 2018
      • ISM September 2018
      • ISM August 2018
      • ISM July 2018
      • ISM June 2018
      • ISM May 2018
      • ISM April 2018
      • ISM March 2018
      • ISM February 2018
      • ISM January 2018
    • 2017
      • ISM December 2017
      • ISM November 2017
      • ISM October 2017
      • ISM September 2017
  • Download Salsa App
    • Android
    • Apple
  • Spanish

Kizomba as a result of war and colonization

The fight for Angola’s independence was a long and difficult struggle that endured for several decades. The country was colonized by Portugal in the 16th century, and for centuries the Portuguese imposed their culture, language, and political system on the Angolan people. However, the Portuguese colonization also led to the exploitation of the country’s resources, the forced labor of its people, and the suppression of its cultural identity.

In the mid-20th century, there came a wave of anti-colonial movements across Africa and Angola was no exception. The Angolan people began to demand their right to self-determination and freedom from colonial rule. In 1961, the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA) conducted a guerrilla war against the Portuguese, followed by the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) in the following years. The struggle for independence was marked by heavy fighting, political instability, and international intervention, but in 1975, Angola finally got its independence, ending over four centuries of Portuguese colonial rule.

Kizomba Dancer

Angola, officially known as the Republic of Angola, is a country located in southwestern Africa. It is known for its rich culture, vibrant music, and stunning natural beauty. One of Angola’s most famous cultural exports is kizomba, a popular dance and music genre that originated in the country and has spread to other parts of the world.

Angola has a long and complex history, marked by centuries of colonization, slavery, and war. The country was colonized by Portugal in the 16th century and remained under Portuguese rule until 1975, when it got its independence. The legacy of colonialism and the struggle for independence have had a profound impact on Angola’s cultural identity, including its music and dance traditions.

Kizomba, which means “party” or “celebration” in Kimbundu, one of the Bantu languages spoken in Angola, emerged in the 1980s and 1990s as a fusion of Angolan semba music, Caribbean zouk, and other African rhythms. Semba is a traditional dance and music genre that originated in Angola and is characterized by its joyful tempo, complex rhythms, and energetic movements. Zouk is a popular dance and music genre that originated in the French Caribbean and is characterized by its slow and sensual tempo, soft melodies, and romantic lyrics.

Young woman dancing kizomba

Young woman dancing kizomba

Kizomba music, in contrast to semba, is characterized by its slow and sensual tempo, soft melodies, and rich harmonies. The lyrics of kizomba songs are often sang in Portuguese, the official language of Angola, and deal with themes of love, romance, and social issues. Kizomba dancing is characterized by its close embrace and smooth, flowing movements. It is often danced in pairs, with the leader guiding the follower in gentle steps and turns.

Kizomba became popular in Angola in the 1990s, especially in Luanda, the country’s capital. The dance quickly spread to other parts of the country and became an important part of Angola’s cultural heritage. Kizomba dance parties, known as “kizombadas,” were held in clubs, bars, and community centers, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds.

In recent years, kizomba has gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in Europe, where it has become a popular social dance. Kizomba festivals and workshops have been held in many countries around the world, attracting dancers and music lovers from different cultural backgrounds.

Kizomba is not only a dance and music genre but also a cultural expression that reflects the history and identity of Angola and its people. It is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and a source of pride for Angolans around the world.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
International Salsa Magazine presents
International Salsa Magazine presents
Introduce our correspondent at SalsaGoogle
We are the Latin music world network

If you would like to become a correspondent, please contact the coordinator for your area.
International Salsa Magazine presents
Latest posts by International Salsa Magazine presents (see all)
  • Tito Nieves’ concert “50 Años, La Historia” made it clear that ‘Salsa Lives - May 30, 2025
  • The multifaceted Aymée Nuviola delivers her ‘Corazón Sonero’ to Puerto Rico, at the historic Tapia Theater in Old San Juan - April 3, 2025
  • Our friend Tito Allen supports the Salsa Museum - April 2, 2025

International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.