In the late 1980s to early 1990s, Lambada was everywhere in the streets of Brazil and became known to the world with Kaoma’s hit song Lambada in 1989. It is without a doubt one of the most important songs of my childhood. But one day, the Lambada simply died and disappeared, with rumours that its censorship had been intentional. This begs the question, who killed the Lambada?
Many professional Lambada dancers and instructors turned to similar styles, such as Zouk from the French Carribean or Kizomba from Angola. Today “Zouk” as is more commonly danced across the world has a fusion of all three of these styles. Even though the Lambada has died, you can still learn it with surviving Lambaderos such as Renato Dias, who is a reference when it comes to both Lambada and Zouk, and hosts Zouk parties in his home every Saturday just outside of Rio.
The official music video of Kaoma’s hit song Lambada, released in 1989
Zouk’n Casa parties with Renato Dias
Offers private and group classes in Lambada, Zouk and other styles (Portuguese and English)
Rua Valentim Dunham 382 Condomínio Amavil – Freguesia – Jacarepaguá
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, RJ 22763-090
Tel. +55 21 99232 7602