Fast-pace dance takes Ivory Coast’s working-class streets by storm

In a working-class district of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, young people eagerly gather every week to dance the biama, a fast-paced dance craze. The dance evolved from the country's popular coupe-decale music a few years ago and has rapidly gained popularity among the country's predominantly youthful population. Organizers, often referred to as "biamasseurs," hold outdoor events in vacant spaces where DJs take turns playing music and performers showcase their acrobatic twists, frenetic footwork, and funny facial expressions.

The dance, which translates to "fun" in Nouchi, Ivorian slang, is performed to a variety of rhythms, including zouk, zouglou, and afrobeat. Created by accident in 2021, biama has since become a weekly tradition in Yopougon, the birthplace of the dance, and has spread to other cities. Young performers don colorful sportswear and perform for free, while spectators pay between 1,000 and 2,000 CFA francs (around RM6.90 to RM14.20) to watch.

One of the dance's pioneers, 29-year-old Junior Koffi, known as "God of War," explained that the name of the dance is derived from the Ivorian word for fun. Another organizer, known as "Father Rogodogo," stated that the dance allows young people to let their imagination run free and create their unique moves. Attendees often wear fluorescent bracelets on their wrists and paint their faces during performances.

The dance has become more than just a recreational activity; it has created job opportunities and even careers for many young people. Dancers like Dydy Yeman, who has garnered tens of millions of views on YouTube, have performed internationally and have been featured in television programs. Sociologist Stephane Babo believes that the biama trend is here to stay and may even grow in the future due to its economic benefits, including the creation of jobs and related businesses.