Barcke Baye, the flagship title of Guiss Guiss Bou Bess’s debut album SET SELA, incorporates the tune of ‘Adioup Nar’, the song composed by Mara’s father, the late Senegalese musician Alla Seck, formerly part of Super Etoile de Dakar as a dancer and a back vocal for Youssou Ndour. This version calls the father’s spirit to sing alongside his son.
Set to deep Afrobass rhythms, Barcke Baye beckons you to dance with captivating Tama notes and a catchy vibe. Barcke Baye is not simply a tribute to Alla Seck, it is a tribute to dance itself which is present throughout the music of Senegal and the creative universe of Guiss Guiss Bou Bess.
The video for Barcke Baye focuses on the infectious energy of the Guiss Guiss Bou Bess live performance— combining footage of the band and dancers with animation and video distortion to communicate the fun feeling they have become famous for.
The video’s director, Bec Stupak, says, “the band mixes traditional Senegalese Sabar drums with high-intensity electronic beats. Guiss Guiss Bou Bess honors the traditions of Senegal but also adds their own spin on contemporary digital culture, both with their sound as well as with their visual presentation. I wanted this video to mirror that analog/digital mix to emphasize that signature quality.”