Guiss Guiss Bou Bess

The group was founded in Dakar, Senegal, in 2016 by Mara Seck (lead vocals and percussion, Senegal) and master beatmaker Stéphane Costantini (beatmaker, France). They were later joined by Aba Diop (percussion, Senegal) and the fascinating Thiate (dancer, Senegal).

Mara and Aba are descendants of long griot lineages. Mara is the son of the late musician Alla Seck, the beloved Senegalese icon best known for playing with Youssou N'Dour. Aba is the son of the late Malick Diop, the most powerful Sabar mystic percussionist of his generation.

Stéphane has lived a life dedicated to electronic music and has a deep and encyclopedic knowledge of bass music from around the world. In 2016 he met Mara while doing his PhD music research project in Dakar. They had an instant spark that started their collaboration. Later they met the young percussionist Aba and the three quickly realized the explosive magic of Guiss Guiss Bou Bess. In a short time they recorded their first EP and received invitations to play at major festivals all over Europe. Their live shows are pure high-octane energy that ignites the audience. In Senegal, there is no separation between music and dance: both are called sabar and are considered part of the same experience. In keeping with that tradition, Guiss Guiss Bou Bess performs with captivating young dancer Thiate (pronounced Chat) who mixes wild sabar dancing with krumping and hip hop to create his signature Afropop style.

The drums, beats and sounds of Guiss Guiss Bou Bess are inspired by the exuberant and bustling working class neighborhoods of Dakar. The Medina, where Mara Seck grew up, has a rich atmosphere and energy that is present throughout her sound. These close ties to their roots ensure that the traditions of sabar are honored in every song.

Together they have explored all styles and rhythms to develop the perfect fusion of ritual percussion and bass music. They methodically respect all the codes of Senegalese traditions, fusing with the global rhythms of trap, dubstep, UK garage, drum & bass, bass house, afrobass and kuduro.

They have performed at concerts and festivals throughout Europe and Senegal.

Although 2020 was difficult for the musicians, Guiss Guiss Bou Bess ended the year on a high note: their debut album Set Sela was chosen as the third African album of the year by the British music magazine Songlines. Tik Tik is the album they released this year.