Ivory Coast women urged, Shake that bottom
ABIDJAN – A national dance craze in Ivory Coast has spawned a black market in treatments claiming to increase one’s bottom size.
A story on BBC Online by its correspondent in Abidjan says the dance in question has been inspired by DJ Mix and DJ Eloh’s hit song Bobaraba, which means “big bottom” in the local Djoula language.
When it plays you can be guaranteed that the dance floor will be packed with people shaking their derrieres.
Even Ivorian footballers have adopted the moves and could be seen wiggling their bottoms in a curious on-pitch dance after each goal scored during the just-ended Africa Nations Cup.
However, doctors have warned of the possible dangers of some of the bottom-enhancing concoctions on sale.
While the dance has been embraced by both sexes, DJ Mix says it was inspired by women.
“We made it as a tribute to women, because African women are defined by the shape of their bottoms,” he says.
Kady Meite, one of his dancers, says the song is a message for women.
“There are women today with large bottoms who are embarrassed, so it’s to say don’t be ashamed – be comfortable,” she says.
One woman was happy with what came naturally. “I do the bobaraba because I already have a big bum. When I dance, everyone looks at me,” she said.
Ian Jarrett
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