Biyaya

The Bayaya is a mixed and circular dance from the island of Mayotte. The performers form a circle and follow each other, taking steps forward and backward; the dance is punctuated by the ngôma ensemble. Previously the macheve cowbells that the dancers wore on their feet participated as musical instruments.

Circumstances

Previously, this dance was practiced during the Msada, a mutual aid, for example during the harvest or the construction of a house. From now on, it is practiced during festivals or various demonstrations, in particular political. It is then practiced a little differently since the dancers alternate the circular formation with a row formation when they are on stage in front of the audience. This dance has become rare