Born barely five years ago in Yopougon – the poorest, but also the liveliest area of Ivory Coast's economic capital Abidjan – Biama has got the whole of Ivorian youth dancing. Faster than coupé-décalé, this newer musical and choreographic genre borrows many of its codes. But unlike its older sibling, which is associated with trendy nightclubs, biama is danced in the streets and on social media, making it easily accessible to its young, working-class audience.
Despite not having record companies behind them, the most prominent biamasseurs are enjoying significant success, racking up millions of views on TikTok and performing on tours across Europe and Africa. FRANCE 24's Julia Guggenheim reports.
