Fast-pace dance takes I.Coast's working-class streets by storm
A high-energy street dance called 'biama' has become a cultural phenomenon among young people in Ivory Coast. Originating in Abidjan, the dance combines acrobatic moves and expressive facial gestures to various musical rhythms.
Why it matters
It highlights the evolution of youth culture and urban social movements in West Africa, reflecting how local slang and music influence community gatherings.
Biama, a fast-pace dance performed on the streets of working-class neighbourhoods, has taken Ivory Coast by storm (Issouf SANOGO) On the streets of a working-class Abidjan neighbourhood, hundreds of young people gather every week after class to dance the biama, a high-tempo combo of acrobatic twists, frenetic footwork and funny facial expressions.
The craze has gripped Ivory Coast -- where nearly two thirds of the population is aged under 25 -- since it evolved from the country's popular coupe-decale dance music a few years ago.
In Yopougon, the district where it all began, so-called biamasseurs organise the outdoor events where one DJ after another takes to the stage, which is little more than a vacant sandy piece of ground with some plastic chairs for spectators.
Dancers take part for free, while it costs between 1,000 and 2,000 CFA francs (between $1.70 and $3.50, 1.50 and 3 euros) to watch.
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