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Rebita (orMassemba) is a traditional music and dance fromAngola.[1] It is agenre of music and dance in which a circle of couples, led by a coordinator in the middle, dance in a traditional movement called Massemba.
Massemba means ”a touch of the bellies” and became a very popular dance in Luanda, and mixing with local rhythms it gave rise toSemba. Massemba was also taken by enslaved people toBrazil, at the end of the 18th century, giving rise to theUmbigada and thelundu, that later gave rise toSamba.[2][3][4]
Massemba was referred to as Rebita when it was introduced to the Portuguese. This introduction occurred as a result of the Massemba gaining more popularity (as well as some Massemba artists introducing European instruments such asconcertina) and eventually migrating to dance halls. In 2019, Angola applied for theUNESCOIntangible cultural heritage with the name Massemba as it's known inLuanda where it has its roots.[1]
In the history of Rebita music, musicians who made significant progress and development in the musical style includeNgola Ritmos, Mestre Geraldo Morgado, União Kaboko Meu, Euclides Fontes Pereira, Amadeu Amorim.