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soukous

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /suːˈkuːs/

KK: /sʊˈkuːs/

noun
Definition

A lively style of dance music from West Africa, especially popular in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, characterized by its guitar rhythms and influenced by Cuban music.


Example

The party was filled with the energetic sounds of soukous, making everyone want to dance.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever listened to soukous music?
Sloth B
Yeah, I love how upbeat and lively it is!
Sloth A
I think it's fascinating how it blends African rhythms with Latin influences.
Sloth B
Absolutely! It really gets you moving on the dance floor.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
rumba
dance
music
Antonyms
silence
stillness
inactivity
Root Explanation

Soukous is derived from the French word 'souk' (meaning market) and is associated with the Congolese music genre that blends traditional African rhythms with modern influences. The term reflects the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the markets where this music is often played.

Memory Tip

Imagine the lively atmosphere of a 'market' ('souk') where people gather to enjoy music and dance — that's the essence of soukous music.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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