Urban Kiz, often referred to as Urban Kizz or Kizomba Fusion, emerged in the mid-2010s as a modern, urban adaptation of traditional Kizomba. While rooted in the sensual, flowing movements of Kizomba, Urban Kiz incorporates influences from hip hop, electronic music, and other urban dance styles. The genre originated in Europe, particularly in France and Portugal, where young dancers wanted to create a more dynamic and varied version of Kizomba, with sharper movements and more intricate footwork.

Roots in Kizomba and Zouk

Urban Kiz still maintains many of the foundational elements of Kizomba, such as partner connection and musical interpretation. However, the music accompanying Urban Kiz often has a heavier electronic beat, influenced by genres like R&B, rap, and EDM. Dancers adapted to this new rhythm by introducing more linear movements, syncopation, and a modern aesthetic. As the dance developed, it gained a following in urban areas where dancers wanted a version of Kizomba that could reflect contemporary music and culture.

Key Characteristics of Urban Kiz

One of the primary differences between traditional Kizomba and Urban Kiz is the distance between the partners. While Kizomba relies on a close embrace, Urban Kiz allows for more space, enabling the dancers to perform more intricate footwork and sharper turns. The connection between the dancers is still key, but there is more freedom to express individuality through creative styling and complex body isolations.

Urban Kiz music is generally characterized by remixes of popular songs, electronic beats, and R&B influences. This allows for a more varied interpretation, with dancers incorporating pauses, dramatic movements, and dynamic shifts in energy to reflect the beat of the music.

Global Spread and Popularity

Urban Kiz has gained immense popularity worldwide, with festivals, workshops, and social dance events dedicated to the style. Countries like France, Portugal, and the Netherlands have played a key role in its spread, and now Urban Kiz is danced across Europe, North America, and beyond. While it initially caused controversy among Kizomba traditionalists, Urban Kiz has developed its own identity and continues to evolve, blending elements from various genres to create a modern fusion that appeals to younger generations.

Urban Kiz Today

Today, Urban Kiz is recognized as a distinct style within the larger Kizomba community, with its own set of techniques, music, and movement vocabulary. It has inspired new generations of dancers to push boundaries while maintaining the essence of partner dance. Urban Kiz’s evolution is a testament to how dance forms can adapt and grow in response to contemporary music and culture.

Enah Lebon, originally from Haiti, is one of the most recognized figures in the world of Kizomba and Urban Kiz. Known for his originality and creativity, Enah has significantly contributed to the development of Urban Kiz, a modern evolution of traditional Kizomba. His unique style combines elements of Kizomba with influences from hip hop, R&B, and urban dance, making him a standout artist in the global dance community.

The Birth of Urban Kiz

Enah Lebon is one of the pioneers of Urban Kiz, a dance style that emerged in Paris in the early 2010s. Along with other innovators like Curtis Seldon, Enah helped shape the new style by incorporating more dynamic and linear movements compared to traditional Kizomba, which is characterized by its close embrace and grounded footwork. Urban Kiz introduced elements such as sharper lines, isolations, and foot taps, often synced to more electronic and urban beats.

International Recognition

Enah has gained international acclaim for his contributions to the Urban Kiz scene. His workshops are highly sought after, and he regularly participates in dance festivals and congresses worldwide, including in countries like Canada, the United States, and Germany​. His passion for teaching and innovation shines through in his classes, where he emphasizes “attitude” and creativity.

Future of Urban Kiz

As an innovator and ambassador of Urban Kiz, Enah Lebon continues to push the boundaries of what the dance can be. His ability to blend tradition with modernity has not only earned him respect within the dance community but also allowed him to shape the future of Afro-Latin dance on a global scale.

For anyone looking to explore the latest trends in Kizomba or Urban Kiz, Enah Lebon is an essential figure to follow. His unique style and influence make him a key player in the evolution of Afro-Latin dance.