Formed in 2016 through a meeting between Senegalese singer and percussionist Mara Seck and French beatmaker Stéphane Constantini, Guiss Guiss Bou Bess has expanded with the arrival of percussionist Aba Diop and dancer Thiate. Guiss Guiss Bou Bess creates a unique alchemy, combining sabar, traditional Senegalese music, with the rhythms and sounds of electronic music. The result is a new energy, in which Thiate’s performances break down the separation between music and dance, and reconnect with the sabar tradition, according to which these disciplines are different parts of the same experience. The rhythms and sounds of Guiss Guiss Bou Bess are inspired by the neighbourhoods and atmosphere of Dakar. Since its creation, GGBB has performed in concerts and festivals across France and Senegal.
The Kaani Urban artistic agency, led by Camille Seck, supports Guiss Guiss Bou Bess in its development and creative work.
In partnership with the Alliance Française de Ziguinchor, the artistic residency of Guiss Guiss Bou Bess and Kaani Urban at the Alliance Française de Banjul consisted largely of sharing skills and intercultural exchanges. Chico, a dancer with the Mbossé Danse Compagnie (Kaolack) was affiliated to GGBB and also resided at the Musa Ngum artists’ house to give contemporary dance training to Gambian amateur and semi-professional dancers belonging to the Flex Fuzion Academy. These two dance courses enabled them to learn new techniques and create an original choreography. An additional workshop, this time a musical one, was given by GGBB musicians to the dancers to support the potential for mutation and innovation afforded by the association of sabar with contemporary dance.
At the end of the residency, Guiss Guiss Bou Bess gave a concert at the Alliance theatre. Chico and the participants in the training courses were invited on stage to dance and put into practice their recent learning, in a great moment of conviviality and exchange.