The first track off their debut album Set Sela, Lamp is an homage to Senegalese Baye Fall tradition—the peaceful, mystical form of Islam practiced throughout Senegal.
The Baye Fall in Senegal are known for their deep spirituality as well as their commitment to hard work and a simple lifestyle. Their signature dreadlocks and colorful patchwork clothing are not related to Rasta traditions, but instead pay homage to the founder of Baye Fallism, Ibrahima Fall, who worked so hard that he left his hair in its natural locked state and created clothes from patchwork instead of buying them new.
Since the Baye Fall are workers of little means, they’re known to offer their love to God through the gift of music.
Both Mara Seck (singer) and Aba Diop (percussion) are Baye Fall, so Guiss Guiss Bou Bess created Lamp to share the rich culture of Baye Fall with the world. The song describes
lighting the way through the darkness, an important metaphor for knowledge and spirituality that appears throughout the Baye Fall tradition.
The video’s director, Jean-Baptiste Joire notes, “The song quotes the famous figures of Mouridism (the larger brotherhood, of which Baye Fallism is a part). And the sound combines a complex rhythm with quiet, contemplative moments. It was important to me to introduce the world of the Baye Fall by showing the devotion and spirituality during the ceremonies, which often take place in the street.”
The track and video both feature the khin, a special drum with a deep bass sound played in rituals and ceremonies. It also has the Guiss Guiss Bou Bess signature mix of explosive sabar drumming and infectious electronic beats. The track Lamp blends deep dubstep and UK garage with live drumming to create a powerful, danceable groove.
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