Wolosso
Wolosso is a fashion dance that originated in Ivory Coast in 2006 and has since spread throughout West Africa. Characteristic for this dance are isolated circular hip movements, with - at least with the female dancers - the upper body is occasionally lowered so that the buttocks are strongly emphasized. An offbeat- emphasized 4/4 time is preferred as the rhythm , which is occasionally - as is usual in African folk music - overlaid by other rhythms. The pace is moderate to fast, between 40 and 70 bpm. Historically, the dance is recognizable as a synthesis of African folk dances and fashion dances of western pop culture.
In predominantly Muslim countries, the Wolosso often causes offense because of its lascivious hip swings. Although the individual movements in traditional folk dances are often guaranteed, they are identified with the “decadent” Western culture in a social dance that is detached from this context. Various Wolosso musicians are also accused of distributing pornographic content in their texts. Meanwhile, the meaning of "Wolosso" has expanded as a synonym for a revealing style of clothing and lifestyle, especially for women.
Web links
Africahit - African music magazine about Wolosso (French)