semba

Semba, often spelled semba, is a traditional Angolan music and dance form that emerged in Luanda and other urban centers in the early 20th century. It is widely regarded as the direct precursor of Brazilian samba and has influenced many Afro-Latin and African popular styles.

Musically, semba centers on rhythmic percussion and call-and-response vocal passages. Ensembles typically include drums and other percussion, bass and guitar, and expressive singing. Lyrics commonly address daily life, love, humor, and social themes. The tempo is flexible, ranging from lively to mid-tempo, and performances emphasize improvisation and interaction between musicians and dancers.

Dancing: Semba is a social partner dance performed in pairs or groups. It features fluid hip movement, quick footwork, spins, and syncopated steps that respond to the music's rhythmic accents. Dances can be performed in close embrace or with more open styling, depending on context and regional tradition.

Legacy: The style has had a lasting impact on Angolan music and on the broader world music scene. It influenced the development of kizomba, a slower romantic Angolan dance, and contributed to the global popularity of samba through diaspora communities. Notable Angolan artists associated with semba include Bonga and others.

Today, semba remains a living tradition in Angola and among the Angolan diaspora, continuing to evolve with contemporary arrangements and fusion with other genres while preserving its core rhythmic and social character.