Tropical Jazz New Chapter
Decoding the surging vitality in African art, celebrating the enduring charm of this continent — BYREDO Bal d'Afrique Tropical Jazz pays tribute to modern African dance shaped by multiculturalism, connecting people closely through an extraordinary collective power.
The BYREDO 2026 Bal d'Afrique Tropical Jazz creative project was filmed in Accra, the capital of Ghana, bringing together West African dancers and models from diverse backgrounds who carry their cultural roots, style imprints, and life stories. The choreography of Bal d’Afrique Tropical Jazz was masterfully arranged by Burkinabe choreographer Ladji Koné, blending traditional West African dance steps, street dance rhythms, and contemporary dance techniques. Through the dancers' movements, the audience is led on a unique and expressive journey.
The choreography unfolds in three acts: the first act distills the essence of traditional dance steps from Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Senegal, gradually incorporating contemporary popular dance styles such as Wala Wala, Azonto, Coupé-Décalé, Soukous, and Legwork, ultimately culminating in an experimental body language inspired by techniques from École des Sables (International Center for Traditional and Contemporary African Dance). These dance elements are refined and reassembled, collectively performed by dancers and performers from across West Africa, bursting with vibrant life force and creating a work that reflects both the historical context and contemporary evolution of the African continent.
The dance troupe centers on members of the Accra Dance With Purpose Academy (DWP Academy): Reina, Lisa Quama, De Goddd, and Trickmang. Also featured are Senegalese dancer Belgique (Khadija Cissé), trained at École des Sables; Togolese dancer and École des Sables graduate Anique Ayiboe; Togolese twin dancers Élysée Ewce and Élie Lee Ewce, active in the arts under the name “Les Ewce”; Ivorian-born, France-raised dancer and model Jean-Désiré Augnet (Ya-Kôh); Nigerian model and street dancer Amaka Okafor; and Ghanaian model and Accra creative rising star Ottawa Kwami. Their vibrant life rhythms merge personal stories and artistic culture into a resonant collective language.
The creative visuals for BYREDO Bal d’Afrique Tropical Jazz were captured by photographer Philip-Daniel Ducasse, who frames the scenes with an intimate and restrained perspective. His lens focuses not only on the dancers but also extends to their environment, delicately revealing the subtle connections between body, space, and memory. Guided by inner rhythms, the visuals explore the deeper meanings of personal identity, existence, and local spirit through a calm yet powerful cinematic language. The film was directed by Ghanaian filmmaker Nuotama Bodomo, known for her layered narratives exploring identity, memory, African futurism, and cultural heritage. Under her direction, the visuals gain cinematic narrative depth, allowing body, history, and imagination to engage in dialogue.
Styling was led by Nigerian stylist Raphael Hirsch, who adheres to a concept-first creative philosophy, skillfully preserving each dancer’s individuality within the overall expression. The wardrobe features works from African fashion designers like Eleven Sixteen and bespoke suits tailored locally in Accra. Each dancer’s look is personalized, empowering their movements while highlighting their unique traits. The costumes extend the choreography, creating a dialogue between fashion, rhythm, and self-expression.
Meanwhile, the Bal d’Afrique Tropical Jazz fragrance also welcomes a renewed collector’s edition. This version continues the signature scent while presenting a more vivid contrast and rich layers for an olfactory feast — vibrant fruity notes establish a light yet tension-filled brightness, followed by a luxurious floral dance, and a deeply enveloping woody resonance that leaves a warm and lasting finish. The new creation is housed in a redesigned bottle, with the cap forged inspired by traditional yakisugi (charred cedar) craftsmanship, embodying the spirit of artisanal skill and artistic collectible value.
Bal d’Afrique Tropical Jazz reflects the flourishing creativity and vibrant history of African dance art, brought together by diverse voices in a sincere and inclusive celebration, honoring the fusion of physical movement and authentic self.