Pricilla Mukokobi
Forever Dance Academy founder Armando Joao has been working hard to bring the joy of Kizomba and Semba to the Namibian community and will tonight host yet another Kizomba Social Night.
Set for the National Independence Memorial Museum in the capital, the session will offer an exciting evening of the popular Angolan dance styles, Kizomba and Semba.
Joao, who has been teaching dance for some years, founded the academy to share his love for Kizomba and Semba, and he believes these dance styles are a great way to connect with others, stay active and have fun.
“The Kizomba Social Night welcomes everyone in Windhoek who loves Kizomba and for those keen enough to try something new and different, bringing a new form of entertainment in their lifestyles,” he told VIBEZ!
Kizomba is a style of dance that is prominent in the Angolan culture.
The word Kizomba’ means “celebration” or “party” in Kimbundu. The dance style developed in Angola in the 1980s and 90s in Luanda.
Kizomba is characterised by a slower, romantic, more sensuous rhythm than the traditional Angolan Semba music.
To help those unfamiliar with the dance, there will be a teaching session at the beginning of the night, showing basic movements that will allow everyone to dance and enjoy the evening.
In addition to the dance lessons, there will be plenty of opportunities to socialise and practice what they have learned with others who share the love for these beautiful dance styles.
The atmosphere will be lively and welcoming, with music provided by a DJ who specialises in Kizomba and Semba.
Additionally, dance enthusiasts can expect Afro-House, Latin, a bit of jazz, and some Naija and Kuduro music.
“Part of having a successful Kizomba night has to do with the quality of the sound equipment and the DJ’s ability to play the music that keeps the energy level of everyone positively high. Having Ubuntu Sounds and Technology, as well as Mindscape events, providing us with great sound equipment, has been key to our success, with the collaboration of DJ Gildo Sousa, our main resident DJ to the Kizomba socials, dancing,” he said.
The big plan is to host huge Kizomba and Semba Social Nights all over Namibia. Thus, Joao wishes to invite mega Kizomba stars, such as C4Pedro, Nelson Freitas, Yuri Cunha and Ary, among many others, to tour Namibia with their music.
Joao said the interest in Kizomba and Semba is growing, and as a result, he will be hosting a Kizomba workshop and a Kizomba Social Night at Tsumeb’s Salt and Light Restaurant on 12 May 2023, an event that will kick-start his Kizomba tour in Namibia.
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