Mamadou Guissé was born in Senegal, West Africa. At the age of 10 years old, he began studying African drum with his grandmother, Maimouna Keita. This training with his grandmother gave him a wealth of information about the culture, songs, history & rhythms of Mali. By the age of 16 years old, he was playing professionally with various dance companies. At the age of 21, he joined the Mandingue Epac Dance Company, which is one of the largest dance companies in Senegal. During these years, he learned valuable information about the instruments, rhythms and dances native to Senegal. He has been trained extensively in the traditional craft of drum making and repair. He is well educated in the complex history of countless drums and rhythms. Upon arrival in the United States, Mamadou joined the Maimouna Keita West African Dance Company as Musical Director where, to date, he works along side his mother Marie Basse Wiles (Artistic Director). Presently, Mamadou manages the Maimouna Keita School of African Dance, accompanies, teaches private percussion lessons and crafts & repairs drums. He works with classes at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, John Jay College and various NYC Public Schools. He is also a current member of Kowtef African Dance Company, Boussou African Dance Company and several other dance companies and musical groups.