Ndombolo developed as the dance style performed during the 'sebene' section of soukous music — the exciting instrumental part where the guitar playing speeds up. Dancers compete informally to show the most creative and energetic moves, often inventing new steps on the spot. The atmosphere at a live ndombolo performance is electric.
Learning ndombolo requires practice and a strong sense of rhythm. Beginners start with the basic footwork — a quick, shuffling step — before adding the arm movements and spins. Children in the Republic of the Congo often learn the basics from older siblings and cousins at family parties long before they take any formal dance lessons.
When ndombolo swept across Africa in the late 1990s, it carried Congolese culture with it to new audiences. Music videos of ndombolo performances were played on television channels across the continent, making stars of Congolese dancers and showing young people everywhere how joyful and creative Congolese music culture is.