Is this your first time hearing about the Kuduro gospel? Does it even sound weird? Not too worried, we’re sure you’re not the only one in this category. We found something new, and in that popular meme’s voice, we thought “This is nothing but a matter of discovery!” 

So, let’s unravel the discovery about the Kuduro gospel beat together, shall we? 

What is Kuduro?

Kuduro (or kuduru) is a type of music and dance from Angola. It is characterized to be an uptempo, energetic, and danceable kind of beat. Kuduro was developed in Luanda, Angola, in the late 1900s (around 1975-1980). Producers sampled traditional carnival music like soca and zouk béton (“hard” zouk) from the Caribbean to Angola, house and techno playing from Europe. 

The kuduro is said to be similar to semba. Its rhythm is laid out on a fast four-to-the-floor beat bass drum and some other instruments like snare drum, sidestick, e.t.c. 

How did Kuduro Beat Start?

The musical genre emerged during the 1990s, when the country was going through a brutal civil war, and the younger generations found in it a way to express war traumas and their daily life struggles. Kuduro became a popular form of artistic expression for Angolans, especially those living in the slums, to claim their space in the city, and to criticize society.

In an article, it’s been noted that a number of authors have pointed out on how the dance moves embody war traumas — giving graphic theatrical movements such as crawling in the ground as if in a battle, dancing on the thighs as if the legs were amputated, dancing with legs turned in as if on crutches, dancing on crutches with missing limbs, slapping themselves in the face and falling flat on the ground as if shot.

However, while the dancers embody these images, they refuse the status of victims while doing so, such that their dance is powerful and engaging enough, and their audiences can only admire the prowess of their moves. And because it is entertaining, it becomes a form of joyful exercise. 

Dancing kuduro is indeed an exercise of joy, both for the performers and their audience, as we can see in the thousands of videos of people dancing kuduro on YouTube. Historically, music has always been a source of joy for Angolans. 

How Has It Influenced The Gospel Songs? 

While the Kuduro beats may have not been expressly used in gospel songs, there are nevertheless some gospel songs from people such Frank Edward, Infinity, Victoria Orenze that perfectly fits into the description of Kuduro beats. Remember, it’s a music beat or dance that is characterized with energetic performance and more like being in a battle, even though it’s a form of relief. 

The “Olori Oko” song by Infinity is such a perfect description of Kuduro beats and dance. The music communicated the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus, gave graphical representation of what to imagine when a King is coming for his kingdom, and the spiritual warfare the believers have to engage, such that they stand perfect till their Master comes back. 

Watch Olori Oko Song here 

Another is “I Get Backing” released in 2022 by Victoria Orenze. The song carries such an intense atmosphere whenever it is played. It’s always a resounding joy and affirmation of victory gotten in life as a result of being God’s child — an understanding of a possession that is gotten through Christ. 

Watch I Get Backing by Victoria Orenze

Kuduro beats may have had its story sourced from Angola, and while we appreciate history, we will also not fail to acknowledge that all things belong to God, and with evolution, everything will serve its good cause for God’s glory…

Or what do you think? Let’s hear from you in the comment section.