IF there’s anything that wows me about Angola, it’s definitely the way they move and swing their bodies and Semba is one of the numerous traditional dances that caught my attention.
Semba, one of the main contributors to kizomba music, is a rhythmic form of dance from Angola.
It was born in the 20th century at the creative intersection of traditional African dance and colonial European influence.
Semba was played by small bands in Angola especially at large social gatherings. It is frequently confused with Brazilian’s Samba, since their names are so similar.
Semba is a traditional type of dance from Angola. It comes from Massemba meaning “touch of the bellies.”
Semba is described as a dance movement when the contact between two bodies is provoked by the man who suddenly takes the woman on the hip and brings her towards his belly button.
Semba is a dance based on walking with intention. The dance has a range of tempos, from slow and relaxed to blisteringly fast, but it has an undeniable energy.
The dance can be linear or move around the lead.The hold is similar to a ballroom hold, although leaders (men) lean forward or bend slightly at the waist, and ladies never lean back.
Semba is very playful, uplifting and joyful. It has a delightful rhythm that just drives you to move. It’s basically about the fun you create with your partner!
Various Semba artists emerge each year as they pay homage to the veteran Semba masters, some of whom are still performing.
Other styles related to Semba are Kizomba, Rebita, Kazukuta and Kabetula which are primarily carnival music.
If you are already learning and dancing Kizomba, Semba will fit naturally and further develop your dance style. It is easy and fun to learn and is easily accessible to people just starting out with social partner dancing.
Today, Semba is very much alive and popular in Angola.
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