Posted on 02/18/2008 5:33:58 PM PST by traumer
A national dance craze in Ivory Coast has spawned a black market in treatments claiming to increase one's bottom size.
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 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.
"Move your bottom, jump, you see, it's alive."
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.
The message seems to have been taken on board - so much so that some women are now going in search of a "bobaraba".
Injections
In the sprawling Adjame market just north of the city centre in Abidjan, women sell "bottom enhancers".
Adjame market Bottom enhancing treatments sell for $2
"You need to inject this liquid into your bottom once a day," says a market trader, showing a vial of coloured liquid labelled "Vitamin B12".
Each vial costs $2. The label claims it is made in China.
If you do not like the sound of injections, the same amount of money will also get you a small tub of cream.
There is no description of what the product contains or how to apply it; just the words "Big bottoms and big breasts", and two illustrating pictures.
Local gynaecologist Dr Marcel Sissoko is sceptical about the concoctions.
I do the bobaraba because I already have a big bum Dancer
"This medicine could be dangerous for your health because we don't know the ingredients. It's being used without a medical prescription," he warns.
"The health ministry hasn't authorised this and doctors don't know what's in there, so there are risks."
At the Micronutrient Information Centre at Oregon State University in the United States, Dr Victoria Drake says she knows of no scientific evidence that vitamin B12 can be used to treat anything except vitamin B12 deficiency.
'Danger'
DJ Mix admits there is now a growing fashion for young women to show off their bottoms.
Ivorian footballers doing the football dance The bobaraba craze is even visible on the football pitch
"If a woman goes dancing and wants to take two or three treatments, no problem," he says.
"But we don't say to girls that they must take treatment to enhance your bottom, no."
One man on the streets of Abidjan agreed: "Us boys, we appreciate these things because when women use the treatment it attracts us, but for women it's not good."
Most women I spoke to preferred to avoid the treatments.
"Me? I prefer to be natural so you can know your true value. It's best not to use these medicines. It's not good - it's actually very dangerous," one said.
Another 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."
Please! no one add graphics.
Too late.
Every stand in line at Wal-Mart or K-Mart? Scary!!
Baby got back.....
Those butts have their own zip codes!
Paging Hillary Clinton.
Shake, shake yer booty.
A box of dingdongs will do the same thing and will be much more enjoyable.
Stooping to the largest common denominator...
...liquid labelled “Vitamin B12”.
Each vial costs $2. The label claims it is made in China.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avQY6ZcxwCU
OK, as woman born with wide birthing hips -—
this is very very good news for girls with big butts. Ya know, sometimes, they just are what they are and it’s nothin’ we’ve done....so its either love your body are let other mean people wear ya down.
Does anyone remember the “Bertha Butt-Boogie?”
Somebody had it on LP back in the fifth grade and played it at homeroom every Friday.
Monster booty. pg-13
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_SGNvaOa2M
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