Exploring the Evolution of UrbanKiz: A Dance of Innovation and Cultural Controversy
- Arun Srinivasan
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 27
Kizomba, a dance and music genre born in Angola, has captivated the world with its smooth movements and deep cultural connections. Recently, a new variant—Urbankiz—has stormed the global dance scene. While praised for its innovation and appeal, Urbankiz has sparked debates about cultural appropriation and the erasure of Kizomba’s African heritage.
The Origins: Kizomba’s Deep African Roots
Kizomba emerged in Angola during the late 20th century. It drew inspiration from Semba, a vibrant dance and music form that surfaced during Angola’s colonial era. Kizomba transcends mere movement; it embodies the history, emotions, and social connections of Angolan culture. The music features melodic rhythms and soulful lyrics that tell stories of love, struggle, and resilience.
As Kizomba gained international acclaim, its essence remained mostly intact. However, everything changed with the rise of Urbankiz.
Urbankiz: A European Reinterpretation
Urbankiz, mainly developed in France and other parts of Europe, significantly diverges from traditional Kizomba. While Kizomba emphasizes fluidity, connection, and grounded movement, Urbankiz incorporates elements of hip-hop and electronic music. Its stylized, rigid techniques make it more visually dynamic and performance-oriented.
Some view Urbankiz as an evolution of Kizomba. However, others see it as a rebranding that neglects the dance's Angolan origins. The issue lies not in the evolution itself, but in the failure to acknowledge Kizomba's roots. Many Urbankiz dancers promote their style without recognizing the rich history that paved the way for its development.
Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Evolution
The debate around Urbankiz revolves not just around the dance but also issues of cultural ownership and respect. African and Angolan dancers have voiced concerns that Kizomba is being overshadowed. Urbankiz is often marketed as an entirely separate genre instead of being acknowledged as a branch of Kizomba.
At international festivals, Urbankiz workshops frequently take precedence over traditional Kizomba. This trend leads to a growing number of dancers who learn only the modernized version without understanding its roots. This dynamic mirrors a historical pattern where African cultural contributions are diluted, repackaged, and commercialized without giving proper credit to their original creators.
Cultural Significance and Challenges
Kizomba's significance transcends dance. It carries a deep connection to African identity, tradition, and history. Every movement tells a story steeped in cultural meaning. The rise of Urbankiz threatens to dilute these narratives, creating a disconnect between contemporary dance and its profound roots.
As dancers, it’s essential to understand this context. Acknowledging Kizomba's origins does not diminish Urbankiz; instead, it enriches the dance experience. Dancers engaged in Urbankiz should reflect on their influence and consider how they can honor Kizomba’s legacy.
Can Both Styles Coexist?
Despite the challenges, there is potential for both Kizomba and Urbankiz to flourish—if a balance is maintained. Education and acknowledgment are key. Dance instructors, festival organizers, and dancers must actively promote Kizomba’s history alongside Urbankiz. Supporting Angolan artists, participating in traditional workshops, and listening to authentic Kizomba music are meaningful ways to honor its origins.
As the global dance community evolves, it must consider: Are we celebrating Kizomba’s roots, or are we erasing them for something more commercial? Evolution in dance is inevitable, but respect for history and culture should not be compromised.
Creating a Harmonious Dance Future
To balance the scales between Kizomba and Urbankiz, dancers can implement several practices:
Educate Others: Share knowledge about Kizomba’s origins in workshops and classes.
Attend Workshops: Engage with both Kizomba and Urbankiz workshops to appreciate their differences and similarities.
Promote Diverse Art: Encourage the inclusion of Kizomba in festivals and events alongside Urbankiz.
By doing this, the dance community can foster a space where both traditional and modern styles coexist harmoniously.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rise of Urbankiz highlights the power of dance to evolve. However, this evolution should not come at the expense of cultural erasure. By honoring the African origins of Kizomba, we can ensure its rightful place in the global dance scene. As we venture into the future, let's keep Kizomba alive.
Remember, every dance step is a connection to our collective history.
About the Author:
Arun Pauer is a scientist turned dancer with nearly 16 years of teaching experience in Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba. Having taught and performed in over 25 countries, he is shaping the social dance scene in Graz and Chennai. Whether you're new to dancing or a seasoned social dancer, there’s always something to discover.
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