Kizomba Conversations Podcast

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Richard Voogt, a passionate Kizomba teacher from the UK shares his journey from a sports-loving youth in South Africa to discovering dance at university in England. 

He discusses his experiences living and working in the USA, the challenges he faced, and how he eventually transitioned into teaching dance. Richard emphasizes the importance of community in dance and reflects on his decision to return to the UK to establish his dance school, Rhythm and Vibes Dance Company. 

In this conversation, Richard shares his journey of transitioning from a research career to pursuing his passion for dance full-time. He discusses the challenges and successes of building a dance school in England, the cultural differences in dance across various countries, and the importance of community and connection in the dance world. 

Richard also reflects on the impact of the pandemic on the arts and how he navigated funding opportunities to sustain his dance school. Finally, he delves into his teaching philosophy, emphasizing clarity, connection, and the joy of dance. 

In this conversation, Richard shares his deep passion for Kizomba and Semba, discussing cultural insights, culinary experiences, and the evolution of these dance forms. He addresses common misconceptions about Kizomba, emphasizing its familial nature and the importance of community in dance. 

Richard reflects on his global teaching experiences, the connections formed through dance, and offers valuable advice for new dancers. He highlights the significance of asking questions and engaging with teachers to enhance the learning experience.

To connect with Richard check him out on:  

Instagram: RichardVoogt
Facebook: RichardVoogt

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Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kizomba.conversations

If you enjoy our conversations about Kizomba, it's culture, and community feel free to:

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DJ Tó Costa joins Kizomba Conversations to discuss the roots of Kizomba and Semba, the global growth of Angolan dance culture, and why education is essential for the future of the scene. Recorded at Kizomba Treat in Belgium, this episode covers: 

• Tó Costa’s journey from Angola to London 

• Why basic technique matters in Kizomba 

• The relationship between Semba, Kizomba, and Tarraxinha 

• Why teachers and DJs need stronger standards 

• How culture, history, and music shape the dance

Whether you are new to Kizomba or already part of the scene, this conversation offers valuable insight into the history, structure, and future of the dance.

To connect with Tó Costa check him out on: 
Instagram: Tó Costa D’ Angola
Facebook: Tó Costa D’ Angola

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Visit our website: https://kizombaconversations.com/ 
Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizombaconversations/
Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kizomba.conversations

If you enjoy our conversations about Kizomba, it's culture, and community feel free to:

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Do you struggle with confidence on the dance floor? Whether you're new to Kizomba, afraid of making mistakes, nervous about asking someone to dance, or simply overthinking every step, this episode is for you! 

In this episode of Kizomba Conversations, we're joined once again by internationally renowned Kizomba instructors Carlos Camba and Anna Mariaz to explore one of the biggest challenges dancers face: CONFIDENCE.

To connect with Carlos & Anna, check them out on: 
Instagram: Carlos_anna_
                🕺🏾 @carlos_camba
                💃🏻 @anna_mariaz_
                ✈️ @kudissanga_festival & @kudissanga_trip
Facebook:  Carlos Camba & Anna

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Visit our website: https://kizombaconversations.com/ 
Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizombaconversations/
Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kizomba.conversations

If you enjoy our conversations about Kizomba, it's culture, and community feel free to:

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DJ Ellen shares her journey from her cultural roots in Suriname to becoming a prominent DJ in the Kizomba scene. She discusses her early influences, the accidental start of her DJ career, and her experiences navigating a male-dominated industry. DJ Ellen emphasizes the importance of building energy on the dance floor and the challenges she faces as a DJ, while also encouraging more women to join the DJ community. In this engaging conversation, DJ Ellen shares insights into the world of DJing, particularly within the Kizomba scene. She discusses the importance of feedback, creating a joyful dance floor, and the dynamics between DJs and dancers. The conversation also explores the Kizomba scene in the Netherlands, the rise of Urban Kiz, and essential advice for aspiring DJs. 

DJ Ellen emphasizes the significance of knowing one's music and the art of reading the crowd to enhance the dance experience.

To connect with DJ Ellen Check her out on: 

Instagram: dj.ellen
Facebook: dj ellen

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Visit our website: https://kizombaconversations.com/ 
Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizombaconversations/
Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kizomba.conversations

If you enjoy our conversations about Kizomba, it's culture, and community feel free to:

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Kizomba, Semba, Konpa Teacher and Event Organizer, Rabbil's journey into the world of dance, his passion for Kizomba, and the importance of music in dance. 

Rabbil shares insights on learning Kizomba, the challenges of geographical limitations, and the significance of authenticity in the dance community. They also discuss Rabbil's event, Kizomba Treat, and how he addresses common issues in dance events, such as gender imbalances. The conversation concludes with Rabbil's vision for his impact on the Kizomba scene and his thoughts on teaching and learning.

To connect with Rabbil, check him out on:

Instagram: rabbil_ng
Facebook: Rabbil Ngwije
Spotify: Rabbilallana

Follow us:

Visit our website: https://kizombaconversations.com/ 
Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizombaconversations/
Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kizomba.conversations

If you enjoy our conversations about Kizomba, it's culture, and community feel free to:

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Kizomba Conversations and DJ Guelas welcomes legendary artist, producer, songwriter and innovator Kaysha — the creator behind iconic hits like One Love, Something Going On, Diamonds (Kizomba Version), Question My Heart and many more. 

Kaysha shares the untold story behind the rise of Kizomba, Zouk, Urban Kiz and global dance culture. From growing up between Congo, Paris, Brussels, Lisbon and Brazil, to blending Hip-Hop, R&B, Afro rhythms and electronic music into a revolutionary sound, this conversation dives deep into music, culture and creativity.

We discuss:

 🔥 How Kizomba became a worldwide movement

 🔥 The origins of songs like One Love & Something Going On

 🔥 Why dancers helped spread Kizomba globally

 🔥 Urban Kiz controversy & cultural gatekeeping

 🔥 The influence of Hip-Hop, Zouk, Konpa & Afro music

 🔥 How TikTok revived classic Kizomba songs

 🔥 The future of Kizomba music & dance culture

 🔥 Why documenting Kizomba history matters

This is more than a music interview — it’s a masterclass on culture, innovation, artistry and the evolution of Kizomba around the world.

If you love Kizomba, Semba, Urban Kiz, Zouk, Konpa, Afrobeat, dance culture and music history, this episode is for you.

To connect with Kaysha, check him out on:

Instagram: kaysha1974
Website: kaysha.com
Youtube: @kaysha

Follow us:

Visit our website: https://kizombaconversations.com/ 
Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizombaconversations/
Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kizomba.conversations

If you enjoy our conversations about Kizomba, it's culture, and community feel free to:

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🎧 Watch until the end and let us know:

What is YOUR favourite Kaysha song of all time?

👇 COMMENT BELOW 

Which Kaysha classic made you fall in love with Kizomba?

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What does it REALLY take to go from the streets of Angola… to becoming a Kizomba World Champion, global teacher, and international artist?

In this powerful episode of Kizomba Conversations, we sit down with Bonifácio Aurio, aften known as Mr Tuffas — a dancer, singer, teacher, and true ambassador of Kizomba culture — as he shares his raw, inspiring journey.

From dancing Kuduro in his neighbourhood… to winning competitions… to travelling the world and representing Angola — this is more than dance. This is PURPOSE.

🔥 Inside this episode:

• How Bonifácio went from 4th place… to WINNING everything
• The mindset that separates average dancers vs true artists
• The TRUTH about Kizomba (that most people get wrong)
• Why he refuses to abandon authentic Kizomba & Semba
• The reality of building a career with no support, no shortcuts
• His journey into MUSIC — and the story behind Casamento

To connect with Bonifácio, check him out on: 

Instagram: Bonifacio Aurio
Facebook:  BonifacioAurioOfficial
Spotify:       Bonifacio Aurio

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Visit our website: https://kizombaconversations.com/ 
Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizombaconversations/
Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kizomba.conversations

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India to Angola. 

Victor speaks with dynamic dance couple Elvis and Namrata from India, who share their unique journey into the world of Kizomba. They discuss their backgrounds, the challenges of introducing authentic Kizomba to a fusion-driven community, and their experiences as world champions. The couple emphasizes the importance of understanding the roots of the dance and their commitment to building a strong Kizomba community in India and beyond. In this conversation, Victor discusses the growth of the Kizomba and Semba community, the vision behind the MASK event, and the importance of health and fitness in dance. They challenge misconceptions about Asian dancers and emphasize the need for consistency and mindful listening to music for aspiring dancers. The dialogue highlights the cultural exchange and the potential for Kizomba to thrive globally, especially in Asia.

To connect with Elvis & Namrata, check them out on: 

𝐑𝐚í𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐨𝐬 𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂:
Instagram: raizeseritmo

𝙀𝙡𝙫𝙞𝙨 & 𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙖 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨:
Instagram: raregroovesdance

𝙀𝙡𝙫𝙞𝙨 & 𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙖 𝙖𝙨 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙨:
Instagram: elvisnamrataofficial

Instagram & Facebook: 
- Raregroovesdance
- Elvisnamrataofficial
- NamrataRGDC
- elvisisum

Follow us:
Visit our website: https://kizombaconversations.com/ 
Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizombaconversations/
Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kizomba.conversations

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Kizomba’s global rise. In this episode of Kizomba Conversations, we speak with Allan Tai, a multifaceted artist from Nairobi, Kenya, who is deeply involved in the Kizomba dance scene. Allan shares his journey from Salsa to Kizomba, the evolution of the Kizomba community in Kenya, and the importance of honouring the cultural roots of Kizomba. He discusses the Nairobi Dance Project, which aims to cultivate local talent and elevate the standards of dance instruction in East Africa. Allan emphasizes the need for cultural partnerships and the economic sustainability of African art forms. The conversation also touches on the significance of the Sensacao Festival, which aims to provide an authentic Kizomba experience while honouring its Angolan roots. Allan envisions a future where Kizomba thrives as a cultural movement across Africa, fostering collaboration and respect for its origins.

To connect with Allan, check him out on: 
Instagram: Allan.Tai
Instagram: Nairobi Kizomba Sensacao
Instagram: Thenairobidanceproject
Facebook: Nairobi Kizomba Sensacao
Facebook: Thenairobidanceproject
https://www.Kizombasensacao.com.

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Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizombaconversations/
Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kizomba.conversations

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Leny O'Cassule, a passionate Kizomba dancer, teacher, and cultural ambassador shares his powerful journey into Kizomba, rooted in his Angolan heritage, the music of his upbringing, and the moments that transformed him from an observer into a dedicated dancer and teacher.

We explore the importance of musicality, cultural respect, and why Kizomba is more than a dance — it’s a lifestyle. Leny reflects on his experiences learning from influential figures in the Kizomba community, his motivation to create Mambos d'Afro dance festival, and the lessons that shaped his teaching philosophy.

The conversation also dives into the UK Kizomba scene, discussing challenges like the “fast-food mentality” in dance, the need for deeper commitment, quality teaching, and cultural immersion. Leny shares honest insights on dance boundaries, DJs’ responsibility in shaping events, and how dancers can truly grow by stepping out of their comfort zones.

If you care about authentic Kizomba, musical connection, and long-term growth in dance, this episode is for you

To connect with Leny, check him out on: 
Instagram: Leny O Cassule
Facebook: Leny O Cassule
Mambos d'Afro Festival page:
buytickets.at/mambosdafrobevents
Mambos d'Afro Dance School:
https://www.instagram.com/mambosdafro/
https://www.facebook.com/mambosdafro/
https://www.youtube.com/@mambosdafro

Follow us:
Visit our website: https://kizombaconversations.com/ 
Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizombaconversations/
Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kizomba.conversations

If you enjoy our conversations about Kizomba, it's culture, and community feel free to:

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