A new dance craze called biama is redefining Ivorian pop culture, with street dance battles and TikTok challenges propelling its popularity. This frenetic style is an offshoot of coupé-décalé, a percussive dance music that originated in Côte d’Ivoire around the turn of the century.
In Abidjan's Yopougon-Selmer neighbourhood, a crowd of 400 recently gathered to watch dancers, some as young as five, compete in biama battles. Sauce Graine, a 15-year-old dancer, showcased rapid and dexterous moves, stating the event was to highlight local talent.
Biama's popularity exploded after the coronavirus pandemic, as young people used TikTok to share and respond to dance challenges that combine acrobatics with a goofy style. Music producer Cédric Kouamé describes biama as "coupé-décalé 2.0, like at 200% speed."
The working-class district of Yopougon has historically been a cultural hub for Abidjan and Côte d’Ivoire, being the starting point for many artists and trends, including coupé-décalé. Biama is now seen as emblematic of a resurgence in Ivorian pop culture over the last decade.