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Years Experience

About me

Sonny Varela aka Miss Ginga Boo

Sonny Varela, also known as Miss Ginga Boo, is a French-born artist of Cape Verdean heritage whose cultural roots shaped her deep connection to dance from an early age. She grew up immersed in Passada, Funaná, Kuduro, Mazurka, Coupé-Décalé, and Ndombolo, forming the foundation of what would become an extraordinary career in the Afro-Lusophone dance world.

A UK Kizomba Champion (2015/2016) and 3rd Place World Kizomba Champion at the prestigious AfricAdancar International Kizomba Competition, Sonny quickly established herself as one of the most respected and influential figures in the UK Kizomba movement.

Her versatility as a dancer extends beyond Kizomba. She performed Samba with Taste of Brazil and African traditional and modern dances, including Azonto and Afrobeat, with Yemaya Libota, demonstrating her dynamic artistry and deep understanding of Afro-diasporic culture.

With many years of dancing and 15 years of teaching experience, and 10 years as an organiser, Sonny has become a cornerstone of the UK Kizomba community. Kizomba—one of the most powerful and globally recognised partner dances originating from Angola and the Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP)—found in her a true ambassador and pioneer.

Arriving in London at a time when there were few PALOP representatives, Sonny began sharing her passion by teaching Passada, the foundational steps from which Kizomba evolved. She played a crucial role in spreading authentic Kizomba culture across the UK, helping to build the early foundations of what is now a thriving national scene.

Blending her love for dance and fashion, she founded her brand Bijoulili, creator of the renowned “Ginga Boo Chain”—a signature accessory designed to enhance and highlight women’s body movement while dancing. This innovation fused style, femininity, and cultural expression, further solidifying her brand identity.

Sonny’s mission for teaching Kizomba is rooted in connection:

“Kizomba is the passion of the dance, the feeling, the connection, the emotion — it brings people together in a joyful and uplifting environment.”

Recognised as a leading influencer, community builder, and trailblazer in the London and UK dance scene, Sonny has launched and mentored countless beginners through her proven and transformative “4 Balde Method,” enabling students to gain confidence and dance fluency in record time.

She is also the founder of the UK’s only open Kizomba competition platform, a groundbreaking initiative that has discovered and elevated new talents. Many of her competitors have gone on to become respected teachers themselves, contributing significantly to the growth and sustainability of the community. She has personally trained several instructors who now run their own events and schools across the UK.

A true force of nature, Sonny is widely regarded as a pioneer and architect of the UK Kizomba movement, shaping its development, professionalism, and international recognition.

Her philosophy on Kizomba reflects her deep understanding of connection:

“Kizomba is like having a conversation between two connected bodies. He communicates the movement; she listens and replies.”

As the founder of SV Promotions, now known as Ginga Boo UK, Sonny has created a powerful platform uniting dancers through workshops, weekly classes, mini weekenders, and full 3-day festivals. Her events celebrate not only Kizomba, but also Urban Kiz, Semba, Afro House, and other Afro-rooted styles—strengthening cultural appreciation and artistic diversity.

She is the visionary behind the Ginga Boo UK Kizomba Festival, now entering its 9th year and recognised as one of the largest and most influential Kizomba festivals in the UK. She also co-runs Morabeza UK Kizomba Festival, and is expanding internationally with the upcoming Morabeza Cannes Kizomba Festival (September 2026).

During the global Covid-19 pandemic, when dance floors fell silent, Sonny ensured the UK kept moving. Through online classes, virtual challenges, and community initiatives under Ginga Boo UK, she kept dancers connected, motivated, and uplifted—bringing light, energy, and resilience during one of the most difficult periods for the industry.

Her philosophy about Kizomba

Her philosophy on Kizomba reflects her deep understanding of connection:

“Kizomba is like having a conversation between two connected bodies. He communicates the movement; she listens and replies.”

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