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New York International Salsa Congress 2017

North America / USA / New York

The New York International Salsa Congress is New York City’s largest and longest-running Latin dance and music event where the world comes to dance every Labor Day Weekend. This year is the 17th annual edition and will take place at the prestigious New York Marriott Marquis, in the heart of Times Square, footsteps from Broadway theaters, museums and other NYC attractions.

New York International Salsa Congress 2017

Taking place August 31 – September 4, 2017

Featuring live band concerts, performance showcases, instructional workshops, and non-stop social dancing all in the center of the world’s greatest city, come see why the NYISC brings thousands of attendees from New York and over 40 countries worldwide for an annual celebration of Latin dance, music and culture.

This year, the 2017 NYISC promises to build on this foundation and take it to the next level. Taking place once again in the HEART of Times Square at the extraordinary Marriott Marquis, you will feel that you are dancing in the center of the world. We’ve upgraded to the larger Broadway Ballroom for an even more extraordinary dance experience.

Schedule for the 2017 New York International Salsa Congress

Enjoy workshops and performances from today’s most talented dancers, live music from world-famous bands, and social dancing all night long. All this in the mecca of culture and entertainment, home to countless attractions, parks, museums and shows – join us again for another memorable edition of New York City’s premier latin dance and music event!

Tickets

Vip Upgrade – $100: (For Full and Evening Pass holders) Upgrade to VIP status! VIP amenities include preferential VIP seating for evening performances, no waiting in line, plus a special VIP commemorative gift, and discounted access to official Congress pre-events.

Vip Upgrade (1 Night) – $35: (For Full and Evening Pass holders) Upgrade to VIP status for 1 night only! Includes preferential VIP seating for evening performances and no waiting in line.

Vip Full Passes – $399 + $22.94 Fee: provides access to all Congress workshops, performance showcases, live bands and social dancing for the entire event. (Does not include bootcamp).

Location

The New York Marriott Marquis is the host hotel for the 2017 New York International Salsa Congress, located in the heart of Times Square, at 1535 Broadway, New York, NY (45th Street).

Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of the city at the New York Marriott Marquis. Get relaxed and energized simultaneously as you step into some of the largest guest rooms in NYC, amid the hustle and bustle of famed Broadway. Nestled in the heart of Times Square, this Broadway hotel gives you easy access to exciting shows, Fifth Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Lincoln Center and Madison Square Garden.

New York Marriott Marquis Stage of the 2017 New York International Salsa Congress

The New York Marriott Marquis puts you in the midst of popular NYC attractions or near several subway lines to access any part of NYC.

Dance Instructors

Today’s most talented, creative, and popular dance instructors to bring their skills and technique to the next level. They are offering a number of workshops over the course of the weekend for beginners to gain confidence and for advanced dancers to enhance their repertoire.

Antonio Doza (Doza Dance Company, New York):

He is dancer, Actor, Model, Health & Fitness Advisor, Founder and Owner of Doza Dance Company from New York City. Known for his great performance presence, Antonio brings so much heat to the stage that he guarantees all eyes are on him.

As an instructor, he brings his intriguing style with his amazing Spinning, Isolation, Body Movement, Styling, Lead and Following, and Technique to his workshops and classes. He is featured in the salsa documentary La Epoca Pt.2 and is featured in various music videos by many top name commercial artists.

Antonio has traveled throughout the world teaching and showing off his talents. Antonio began dancing at the age of three. After many years of studying hip-hop and modern he took an interest in dancing Salsa. In 2008, he trained with the world renown, Clavekazi Dance Company, directed by Shaka Brown. He is currently touring, advising for Visalus, directing his dance company & acting.

Anya Katsevman (New York):

Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Anya Katsevman has been living in the United States since 1993. She began her dance training at the age of ten. After watching her brother become National Champion, Anya developed her own competitive drive that hasn’t stopped since.

She has won over 20 prestigious world titles in the international Latin dance arena, including Eastern United States Championships, Ohio Star Ball, La Classique Du Quebec, American Star Ball and the United States Open Championships. She has also starred in touring shows Burn the Floor and Dancing with The Stars. Anya also took part in numerous television productions including Sabado Gigante, Good morning America and multiple programming on Univision.

Anya has also danced for many latin artists such as El Gran Combo and Gilberto Santa Rosa. Often referred to as the future of salsa, Anya’s combined background of training, dynamic stage presence, elegance, graceful style, feminine approach, and strong technical action Anya quickly became one of the most sought after Latin dancers in the world. Currently, specialize in teaching all levels, coaching competitors and current champions and adjudicating competitions worldwide.

Delille “Mambo D” Thomas (New York):

Delille Thomas, also known as “Mambo D”, is one of the world’s most creative and dynamic Latin dance performers and instructors, internationally recognized for his pure style and virtuosity.

His dance background includes extensive training in Jazz, Modern, Hustle and Latin (Afro, Mambo, Cha-Cha, Tango) and various Caribbean and street dances. Since October 1992, Mr. Thomas has been teaching Mambo classes and conducting special workshops in New York City and various parts of United States and the world.

Ernesto And Denisse (Florida/New York):

Ernesto ‘El Watusi’ Bulnes was born in Honduras and raised in Miami, Florida, the city where he discovered his passion for dance. His initiation into Salsa began with training under the Mayan International Champion, Danny Bravo, an instructor who inspired Ernesto’s distinct dancing style.

Through training across various dance disciplines, he has developed his own style, a fusion of various arts and techniques that make him a distinct member to any dance floor.

After years of training, in 2011 Ernesto founded his own school, Potencia Latina Dance. Born in Miami with an Argentinean heritage, Denisse Cambria has accomplished many of her life goals starting with becoming one of the most well-known and recognized “Salsa” dancers in Florida, USA.

She has taught and performed with many top dance companies including Shaka Brown, Jayson Molina, Al “Liquidsilver”, Casa Salsa Dance Studio, Salsa Lovers Dance Studio, Project Generation, Energy One, Salsa Heatwave and Salsa Mia. She also competed at the ESPN World Salsa Championships with her partner Alfredo DiNatale.

After a total of 10 years of dancing salsa, she continues to enrich her craft with her partner Ernesto Bulnes and the New York Movement Competition team who are the new Professional Large Team WSS World Salsa Champions of 2016.

Lorenz Latin Dancers (New York):

The Lorenz Latin Dance Studios, With Four Locations In Nyc, Is A Complete Dance Academy Dedicated To Providing You With Professional Dance Instruction. We Offer Classes At All Levels, For Children, Teens And Adults, As Well As Choreography, Private Lessons, And Entertainment. Whether You Are An Experienced Dancer, Or Have Never Stepped Out On A Dance Floor,

We Have A Class That Suits Your Needs. Learn To Dance Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, Merengue, Hustle, Tango Or Ballroom, With Our Experienced And Dedicated Instructors. They Have Locations In Glendale Queens, Corona Queens, The Bronx And Manhattan. Their Website Is Lorenzdancestudio.com

Among much other artists…

DJ’s

Their passion is bringing you the music that fills your soul and keeps you dancing the night away. They spin at the most popular socials, clubs and events where the serious dancers come together. Meet the best Salsa DJ’s in the world – They are 11 and you will be with them in the New York International Salsa Congress.

Dj Frankie Flores (Cleveland):

DJ Efrain “Frankie” Flores is The Main Resident DJ for the Renowned Baila Duro socials and festivals in Cleveland, OH and is working actively at keeping Classic Hard and Rare Salsa alive. He ignited his passion for music when he first started spinning house music in the basements of warehouses in Cleveland during the early 90s.

Dj Gonzo (Texas):

The musician, producer and DJ was born and raised in El Callao, Peru. At the age of 17, he moved to New York City. He studied music at Queens College music school and learned Latin percussion at Boys Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts located in El Barrio, NYC.

His musical studies helped him develop an eclectic taste, and led him to the authentic salsa vieja sound for which he is known. DJ Gonzo’s unique style and soundly rich music selection has made him one of the most influential and top salsa DJs in the U.S. In September 2014, DJ Gonzo launched DJ Gonzo Productions, and signed salsa legend piano virtuoso, Mr. Alfredito Linares.

DJ Gonzo productions’ first album was released the first week of November 2014. The album “DJ Gonzo presents Alfredito Linares – Salsa Pa Todo El Mundo” includes 10 dance floor killer tracks and is now a favorite by salsa DJs world-wide.

Dj Mike Calderon (Miami):

Mike Calderon is a native born and raised in the Magic City of Miami with descendents from Quito, Ecuador. At 21, he started taking Casino salsa lessons and that is where his journey to become a very popular local DJ began. Mastering Casino, he took his dancing to the next level with LA Style and On2 on his own with no classes, just by being in the socials and with other dancers.

DJ Mike Calderon has been doing weekly and monthly events since 23 years old in the salsa scene in Miami. DJ mike calderon (Miami) and much more Djs in New York salsa congress 2017… to get more information and detail about this amazing event, visit http://www.newyorksalsacongress.com

“An Argentinian with a taste of Cuba,” Rogelio Martínez told Carlos Argentino, the King of La Pachanga

On June 23, 1929, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Israel Vitenszteim Vurm, better known in the music world as “Carlos Argentino,” was born. He was an excellent Argentinian tropical music singer who was part of the Cuban band Sonora Matancera. He was also known in musical slang as “The King of Pachanga.”

Born in the La Paternal neighborhood of Buenos Aires, his parents were in the textile manufacturing business, and from an early age, he showed an entrepreneurial spirit. Despite belonging to a socially and economically well-off family, he worked as a street vendor, selling newspapers, magazines, and even coffee on trams and at racetracks.

Un argentino con sabor a Cuba, dijo Rogelio Martínez a Carlos Argentino, el Rey de La Pachanga Imagen Discogs — An Argentinian with a Cuban flavor, said Rogelio Martínez to Carlos Argentino, the King of La Pachanga Discogs Image

Ignoring his parents’ wishes for his professional future, he ventured into singing under the pseudonym Carlos Torres. In 1946, at just seventeen years old, he traveled to Brazil with an unknown orchestra. Problems quickly arose, as he had to ask for the intervention of the Argentinian ambassador to return to Buenos Aires, with the intention of studying medicine at Otto Krausse University, as his parents wished.

While there, he completed his mandatory military service, and upon finishing it, he returned to the music scene, definitively abandoning his professional career. He joined the orchestras of Luis Rolero and Raúl Marengo, performing in Peru and Chile. He then traveled to Colombia with Efraín Orozco’s orchestra. Something very curious happened on that trip: there was a Colombian singer named Carlos Torres, and to differentiate himself, he added his patronymic, becoming Carlos Torres Argentino, before artistically consecrating himself as Carlos Argentino.

Carloa Argentino También fue conocido en el argot musical como «El Rey de la Pachanga».

In 1952, he also traveled to Havana, where he worked with the orchestras of Felo Bergaza, Arnoldo Nalli, and Julio Cuevas. He studied singing with the Italian professor Eduardo Bonessi.

In June 1954, he visited Bogotá, and in December, he traveled to Medellín. In February 1955, Sonora Matancera (from Cuba) went on tour in Colombia. They met at the Teatro Colombia in Bogotá. According to Carlos himself, Rogelio Martínez, director of Sonora, asked him if he was from Cuba, and Carlos replied, “I am Argentinian!” Martínez retorted, “Well, you’re an Argentinian with a taste of Cuba; you have to get on the vehicle!” “What vehicle?” Carlos asked. “Ours!” Don Rogelio replied and proposed that he travel to Havana, to which he agreed.

After several months of rehearsal, on August 17, 1955, they recorded their first 78 RPM record. His first single was the bolero-tango “Una canción” (by Aníbal Troilo), and on the other side, the guaracha “Las muchachas caraqueñas” (by Billo Frómeta). Later, he would record other songs such as: “Ave María Lola,” “El solterito,” “Cuartito 22,” “¡Ay, cosita linda!”, “Un poquito de cariño,” “Tu rica boca,” “En el mar,” “Boquita golosa,” “El novio celoso,” “Apambichao,” “Lamento náufrago,” and “La mamá y la hija,” among others; in addition to the boleros: “Alma Vendida,” “No pidas más perdón,” “El amor no existe,” “Cruel indiferencia,” and “Cuando tú seas mía.”

With Sonora Matancera, he traveled throughout Latin America and remained with the group until November 1959. In 1960, he left Cuba and traveled to Mexico. After this, in 1961, he returned to Argentina, where he was received with joy. He settled back in his native neighborhood of La Paternal, in Buenos Aires.

As a distinguished horseman, he became the owner of several thoroughbred horses, which he named after his songs: “Pachangueando,” “La Espumita,” and “El Manotón.” Apart from horse racing, Carlos was a football fan and supported his neighborhood club: Argentinos Juniors (the club where Diego Armando Maradona was born), and Boca Juniors, to whom he dedicated “Pachanga de Boca,” celebrating the title the “Xeneize” team won in 1962, and the album Somos la mitad más uno, celebrating Boca’s Metropolitano championship with Maradona in 1981. He also dedicated songs to other teams, for example, “Equipo de José” (the Racing champions of 1966-67); the one he recorded when Estudiantes de la Plata became world champions in 1968, under the technical direction of Osvaldo Zubeldía; or Chacarita Juniors (Metropolitano champions of 1969), among others.

Throughout his life, he resided – in addition to Cuba – in Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela, where in 1978 he performed as a singer with the orchestra Los Solistas de Renato Capriles, and participated in their first two LPs, but he always returned to his Argentina.

On a memorable afternoon, July 1, 1989, he reunited with Sonora Matancera in Central Park, New York, to celebrate the group’s 65th anniversary with his old recording companions. On that occasion, he shared the stage with Celia Cruz, Daniel Santos, Vicentico Valdés, Welfo Gutiérrez, Leo Marini, and Nelson Pinedo, among other figures.

Argentino El Rey de la Pachanga con La Sonora Matancera

It was the last time he would be seen in performances, as on June 20, 1991, he died of a myocardial infarction while watching a horse race in Buenos Aires. May he rest in peace and eternal glory!

Also Read: Argentina y sus géneros musicales de origen y los tropicales

By:

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Los Mejores Salseros del Mundo

Efrain ‘’Junito’’ Davila, Victor Manuelle and Ricardo Arjona’s producer in International Salsa Magazine

Efrain ”Junito” Davila is one of those faces behind the scenes that makes many things the public enjoys possible, which has led him to work with big names in the industry who respect his work and know that having him on their teams is a guarantee of success and quality. The arranger, music producer, composer, orchestrator and pianist has honoured us by talking a little about his life and career, something he himself admits that he does not do very often, so we thank him for his trust in International Salsa Magazine to tell his story.

Efrain Junito Davila working — Producer, arranger, and pianist Efrain ”Junito” Davila doing his work. Photo by Gisselle

Efrain’s interest in music from an early age

Efrain begins his story by telling us that his house always had tropical music, in fact, his father Efrain Davila was a musician and his mother was a singer, so they took their young son to their respective orchestras’ rehearsals and constantly exposed him to everything about music. However, he did not show much interest in music until he was about 11 or 11 years old, when he started playing with a little piano he had at home. He found the instrument fascinating and very easy to understand, to the point that his father noticed how easy it was for him to play and bought him a bigger piano, music books and several cassettes so that he could learn about that whole world.

It can be said that at the age of 12, Efrain was already a musician and played in the same orchestra as his father, but it was the following year, at the age of 13, that he made his first tour to Panama, which was the first country he visited for work.

An interesting fact we want to mention about the group in which his father was trombonist, Orquesta Xariz, is that it was one of the first Christian salsa orchestras of the time, because back then, this genre was still seen as something mundane and ordinary, something similar to what we see with urban music today. Therefore, it was not easy for people to identify Christianity with salsa, but Orquesta Xariz did it and Efrain learned a lot from it.

Professional start in music

Although Efrain made his first tour at the age of 12, for him the beginning of his career as such was at the age of 15, age in which he was no longer playing with his father, but with other artists in nightclubs. Although he was still a minor, the fact that he was tall and had a little beard helped him to be allowed to perform in those places. By that time, the artist was already being paid for his work and was performing much more often.

Victor, Efrain, and Jerry — Victor Manuelle, Efrain ”Junito” Davila, and Jerry Rivera

Around the same time, he began to make musical arrangements, first for the Orquesta Xariz and then later for other independent artists in New York City. Efrain himself got involved in this area in a completely self-taught way, since he did not want to be dedicated solely to play piano for the rest of his life, but sought to explore what other areas music could offer him.

Already at 20 or 21 years old, he also became interested in music production, to which he has devoted himself ever since.

Efrain as a producer, arranger and orchestrator

Efrain comments that he began to be recognised for his work for the first time thanks to the group DLG (Dark Latin Groove), which was looking for young musicians to join their ranks at that time. It was then that he met Sergio George, the owner of the group, who was the first to offer him his first major opportunity to arrange music for artists signed to great labels such as Sony. It could be said that this was the moment the young man knew he wanted to remain dedicated to this field and, over the years, he grabbed much more experience to the point of dealing with multinationals and artists of great name.

Grammy and Premios Lo Nuestro nominations

Throughout his career, Efrain has been nominated for a Grammy, a Latin Grammy, and a Premios Lo Nuestro award once in every case, he was nominated due to a work made for Prince Royce because he was doing much bachata at the time and, on another occasion, it was together with his friend and partner Guianko Gomez. In that same year, a couple of projects with the Venezuelan group Guaco were also nominated, indicating that the musical elite had him on its radar and acknowledged his efforts over time.

Victor, Efrain, and Tito — Victor Manuelle, Efrain ”Junito” Davila, and Tito Nieves

Although the artist greatly appreciated that his work is taken into account in this way, he is very clear that obtaining prizes should not be his main goal, so he has to keep working hard and not settle for what he has achieved so far. He comes down to “you must not only look into the past, but also into the future”.

Collaborations with great artists

In the case of Maluma, Efrain clarifies that he did not work directly with him, but covered some of his best-known songs in salsa. However, there have been other great artists whom he does know directly, such as Ricardo Arjona, who coincidentally called him on the day of our conversation to discuss some pending issues.

He has also met and worked directly with Victor Manuelle, with whom he has been friends and worked on his last nine record productions. Efrain says that it is nice working with the Puerto Rican artist because he really knows what he wants. “Many artists today don’t know what they want. They know what they don’t want, but they don’t know what they do want, which makes things a little difficult for me. Artists with long-spanning careers like Victor, Ricardo himself, Servando, and Florentino Primera know exactly what they want, so they are able to tell me what they are looking for in their work,” Efrain said about the topic.

He also mentioned that he usually has trouble with new artists for the same reason, since being inexperienced, he is the one who has to create a sound or wave from where starting. However, he continues to work with them, but he has to use much more creativity in constantly inventing and creating song demos so that they can see what they like.

It should also be mentioned that other important artists he is working with such as La India, Olga Tañón, and Tito Nieves.

Florentino, Efrain, and Servando — Florentino Primera, Efrain ”Junito” Davila, and Servando Primera

Behind-the-scenes work

Owing to the nature of his work, Efrain’s face is not as well known to the public as is the case of the great singers and musicians who work with him. When questioned about this, he says that he has never liked drawing attention and prefers to stay behind the cameras as a producer. He acknowledges that there are colleagues who do like media attention, but this is not his case. In fact, he does not participate much in interviews like this or podcasts. He believes that being very famous brings problems and prefers to live in peace and retain his privacy.

Maite Hontele

Europe / Holland

Maite Hontele. The perfect mix between Latin flavor and European roots

A girl with passion and talent, nominated for a Latin Grammy Award in the category Best Salsa Album, trumpeter Maite Hontelé is transforming the role of women in music. People in America, Europe and Asia have witnessed her magical talent and the way she performs on stage. Born in Holland, but Colombian in her heart, Maite’s music is a perfect mix of European elegance and tropical joy, which is reflected in her 4 albums:

Llegó la Mona, Mujer Sonora, Déjame Así, and Te Voy a Querer, the last two edited in vinyl.

Also known as ‘Mujer Sonora, Maite has collaborated with artists such as Rubén Blades, Buena Vista Social Club, Chocquibtown, Oscar D´ León, among others, all of them lured by her style. Immersed in Latin American music from her earliest years, she went on to study at the conservatory in Rotterdam, specializing in jazz, salsa, flamenco and Brazilian music.

She was also invited to take part in Buena Vista Social Club’s European tour.

She arrived in Medellín following her heart and her trumpet, releasing one record after another and touring internationally with her salsa band. Perhaps inevitably, she quickly made a name for herself in Colombia through her exploration of salsa in its many forms.

Maite Hontele - Flyers — Maite Hontele – Flyers

Oscar D´ León says “She is the best in the world, what a delight! The ways she plays is extraordinary, outstanding!”

Her next step in Europe: Fiestas de la Virgen del Pino TEROR, SPAIN – 5TH OF SEPTEMBER Stay with us four further information about the European tour! For further information https://www.facebook.com/fansmaitehontele/

Kizomba Conquering the World of Salsa

North America / USA /

These are some of the things I learned about Kizomba when my boss told me to write about it: Its official language is Portuguese; I bet you didn’t know that, either.

See, even when we thought we knew about this music genre, because we hear it at parties, get together or social events; as a Caribbean music, known by its movements that are alike the common Latin rhythms, it actually comes from Angola; a country in Southern Africa, near Namibia; and its official language is Portuguese.

That is why the first and most popular Kizomba songs are in Portuguese.

Diogo Cão was that responsible Portuguese explorer to discover Angola and to determine its official language and culture. Who could possibly know that after the colonization era, MUSIC would be that one thing capable of combining cultures and mixing beats taste between humans? Kizomba is a clear example of that. Another fun fact is that its name comes from Kimbudo; which means ‘party’, maybe that’s why it’s so exciting to dance it.

It’s good to know that its characteristic for its slow and sensuous rhythm, came with a mixed touch of African rhythm and Haitian Kompa, until it became the one we know now a day. In the 1990s, when the actual Kizomba got more and more popular, Angolan semba dancers started to adapt their semba steps, according to the tempo and flavour of the Kizomba beats.

Back in the 60’s, the big parties were referred as: “Kizombadas”; since at that time, Kizomba wasn’t really “Kizomba”. Imagine calling your own parties like that, funning right? Many other dance styles from other continents were also enjoyed, since the rest of Africa received the influence of many other cultures; as a result of African rhythms and European styles.

As Angola did with Portugal. During the years, it has spread ALL AROUND THE WORLD; to countries like: England, France, Spain, Poland, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, Belarus, Lithuania, Egypt, Switzerland, Serbia, Canada and the United States of America. And now, we hear it in South America, through all these famous artists like: Prince Royce, Romeo Santos and Juan Luis Guerra.

Not always was Kizomba defined, as we know it today. See, through the years, it has been confused with other genres like Cape Verdaen; which turned out to be the first similar rhythm before Kizomba was, what it is today. Many immigrants confused Cape Verdaen rhythm with Kizomba vibes, back in the 80’s. This genre comes from Cape Verde, in Africa; where the official language is Portuguese as well, and their movements are very similar.

Another interesting fact that I learned about the origin of Kizomba, was its first popular name, “Zouk”. It is good to know that this term represents the origin of Cape Verdaen and Kizomba, because people used to call every type of music by this name. Now with the other name, Kizomba, people can tell them apart. In the history of Kizomba, we will find the popular Brazilian Zouk dance, evolved from a dance called Lambada.

In this following video you could see how to dance Zouk and Lambada https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlK5oIjVNfM By HOWCAST

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSpV HeDGr9UbREhRca0qwsA

I know what you are thinking; How many dance types come from the same one? That in fact is the magic of Kizomba; it involves so many rhythms and cultures and that’s why it as special and popular, as it is today.

Lambada, was a dance that took over most night clubs in Brazil; especially, in Rio de Janeiro. In the mid 90’s, Brazilians discovered Zouk from the French Caribbean; which had many similarities with Lambada, because of its Caribbean rhythm influence.

Soon, Lambada started to adapt to Zouk. However; Zouk’s rhythm was slower than the Lambada, so it was necessary to make alterations to the dance, including to its basic steps.

All Zouk professionals then decided to call Lambada style, Brazilian Zouk (Zouk Brasileiro); with the objective to protect their culture and also with the objective, not to interfere with different culture’s interpretations of Zouk.

Ghetto Zouk Dance is one type of Zouk that a couple dances to, very closely with higher dynamics, fun, flow and precision, that follows the ghetto Zouk beat. It combines the basic Kizomba steps and techniques, with faster rhythm in footwork, requiring firm posture and higher level of power, pressure and movement control from both partners.

In the Ghetto Zouk Dance, both partners share the same amount of pressure, tension and impulse which makes, especially the ladies, be more involved in the dance. It also improves the communication between partners and helps them to maintain the flow. Ghetto Zouk Dance uses syncopated rhythm more often to better reflect the beat. In practice, it is demonstrated by faster footwork than the one of Kizomba and higher overall dynamics of the dance.

Unlike very soft movements of Kizomba, Ghetto Zouk Dance applies more energy and extension, while still emphasizing the precision of the movement.

In this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n9p DcSGwgg you will see how to dance Guetto Zouk step by step. By GHETTO ZOUK DANCE & KIZOMBA PRAGUE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA6q QHYwbcfaIQNL23tKk-A

Knowing its steps, in some places of the world, Kizomba is known as African Tango. The body position is very similar to the Argentine Tango, with the upper body leaning forward with head touching at times.

The lower body, particularly the hips, is very fluid using forward, backward and circular movements, in connection with the partner. Like salsa, dancers can break apart and perform ‘solo’ movements.

Everything we learned today about this music genre and its origin leaves us the knowledge that cultures were made to mix up, to blend with others and to spread their believes. Music is that one thing supposed to teach us, how to enjoy life and make dancing as special as it is. The different styles and movements make us feel part of their culture and origin.

Involving all tastes and rhythms, known by its slow, insistent, somewhat harsh, yet sensuous rhythm, as the result of electronic percussion, some of the most popular Kizomba and Zouk artists of all times are:

Kaysha, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1974 – present):

Kaysha is a French-based musician originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. His music is a blend of styles such as kizomba, rhumba, zouglou, zouk, zouk love, calypso, R&B, and hip hop. Kaysha is also a successful music producer, having produced songs for some of the bestknown artists on the Afro-Caribbean scene, including Passi, Solaar, Jacob Desvarieux, Soumia, Lynnsha, Elizio, and Ludo.

Elizio, aka Mister ODC (Original Di Cabo Verde):

He is a singer-songwriter, born in Angola in 1979; of Cape Verdean origin. Revealed with the title 10 fois, 100 fois featuring Perle Lama in 2003, Elizio quickly meets his first big solo success with Melodia which leads him to the top of the zouk scene. The artist then connects the tubes and expands his musical universe with more than 70 titles, ranging from general dancefloor with sounds like Bad Man on Kizomba with Angel or Make love on tempo in particular, through the kuduro as Sabi Di Mas.

Anselmo Ralph Andrade Lamb (born 1981 in Luanda, Angola):

Better known as Anselmo Ralph; is a singer of R&B, Soul and Kizomba. In January 2006 he released his first album titled “Love Stories”. That year he was nominated by the Channel O Music Video Awards in the “Best R&B” and “Best Director” categories, and by the MTV Europe Music Awards 2006 in the “Best African Artist” category.

Anselmo Ralph - Kizomba — Anselmo Ralph – Kizomba

In 2012, Coca-Cola announced a promotional campaign featuring Ralph, their first with an Angolan artist. As of January 2013, Ralph was touring the Benguela region of Angola to promote his album “Best of Anselmo Ralph”, which premiered the month before in the #5 position on the Portugal Albums Top 30 chart.

Nelson Freitas was born and raised in the Netherlands, with creativity and talent he constantly tries to refresh the world of Zouk music. In 1997 the compilation CD of “MOBASS Presents” was released featuring the track, “Hoje em Dia” (Now a Days), which officially launched Quatro Plus (formerly known as Quatro) in the market. As one of the lead singers of the group, Quatro Plus went on to release three successful albums “4-Voz” (Four Voices) in 1998, “Bem Conche” (Get to Know Us) in 2002 and “Ultima Viagem” (Last Voyage) in 2005.

Nelson Freitas - Kizomba — Nelson Freitas – Kizomba

In almost a decade, Freitas has earned what’s rightfully his as he is of the most admired and respected producers, singers and writers in the Cape Verdean as well as the Zouk music industry. With a blend of Cape Verdean Kriol and English lyrics, a twist of R&B and hip-hop incorporated with Zouk and traditional Cape Verdean music. With all these ingredients Nelson made his solo album called “Magic” In October 2006.The album sold over 25.000 copies worldwide.

Don Kikas, born Emílio Camilo de Carvalho, is an Angolan singer from the city of Sumbe in the southern Angolan province of Cuanza Sul. In 1997, Don Kikas released his second album, Pura Sedução which was silver in Portugal. That same year, the album’s Esperança Moribunda song received the “Music of the Year” award granted by the Rádio Nacional de Angola (national radio station). By this time, invitations were extended for Kikas to perform at international level. His third album, Xeque Mate, released in December 1999, produced a totally-renewed Don Kikas as it included songs recorded in three different countries and featured foreign musicians as well.

Don Kibas - Kizomba — Don Kibas – Kizomba

Soumia is of Moroccan origin and was born on August 27, 1977 in Saint Mandé in Paris. She made her appearance onto the music scene first in 1998 singing a duet with Talina on the RUBIZOUK compilation album. Since then, she has been featured in numerous compilations including ZOUK R&B VOLUMEs I, II & III; TROPICAL HIT MACHINE and SECTION ZOUK. She released her first album STILL IN LOVE in 2002 and her hits include Mes Sentiments; Trahison; and Avec des si ou Rendez moi.