Ivory Coast: Biama ignites the streets of Abidjan, with Dydy Yeman at the forefront

In Abidjan, biama has emerged as one of the hottest dance phenomena, with street gatherings attracting both dancers and spectators. Ivorian artist Dydy Yeman is among the most prominent faces of this scene.

An AFP report published on September 11 describes weekly gatherings where teenagers and young adults perform rapid steps, facial expressions, and acrobatic movements. In some neighborhoods, dancers participate for free, while the audience pays between 1,000 and 2,000 CFA francs to attend the sessions.

The phenomenon has developed from Yopougon, where biama has been structured since 2021 around dancers, arrangers, and artists. Le Monde noted in the spring the significant impact this scene has had on radio and social media, with videos amassing millions of views.

Dydy Yeman has established himself as one of the artists associated with this wave. A singer and dancer, he has performed in Côte d’Ivoire, other African countries, and Europe, while his music videos extend the movement’s reach on YouTube and social platforms.

Biama also serves as a showcase for young dancers. Filmed sessions in the streets feed into TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, where choreographies circulate rapidly, allowing some individuals to build an audience beyond their neighborhoods.

In Yopougon, Parfait Fidèle Kposser, known as “Agbalais the Mystic,” leads street rehearsals on weekends. In August, AFP followed him as he worked on choreographies with four teenagers aged 15 to 17, under the watchful eyes of locals who came to film the session.