Assiko (Assicou)

Style musical traditionnel du Cameroun

Assiko (Assicou)

L’assiko is a traditional dance and music style from Cameroon, originating from the bulu and fan peoples of eastern Cameroon. Characterized by fast percussion rhythms (bà played with hands, tam-tam) and synchronized hip movements in a circle or chain, assiko is a very festive music highly popular during ceremonies.

The term comes from the bulu language and means “to strike with the foot” or “to vibrate.” Artists like Manu Dibango popularized it in the 1960s-70s and the style is today played throughout central Africa.

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