Yakhouba Pèssè was an emblematic figure in Guinean theater and culture, recognized as one of the principal actors and founding members of the famous Troupe Pèssè that revolutionized the national artistic scene in the 1980s-1990s. Known for his unique linguistic style mixing "broken" French with the local Susu language, he won the hearts of Guineans through remarkable works such as "N'tanan Fokhiara" and "La Plantation de Monsieur Pino," which addressed the country's social realities with humor and relevance.
Working closely with other talented artists like Monsieur Pino, Namina Moudou, and M'Mama Pèssè, he contributed to the emergence of the first audiovisual productions in local languages in Guinea, before passing away after a long illness, leaving behind a considerable cultural legacy that continues to inspire subsequent generations of Guinean artists.
Introduction
Yakhouba Pèssè was an iconic figure in Guinean culture, recognized as one of the pioneers of theater and cinema in local languages in Guinea. As a leading actor and founding member of the famous Pèssè Troupe, he left his mark on several generations of Guineans through his exceptional talent and unique style.
A Distinctive Artistic Style
Yakhouba Pèssè distinguished himself through his characteristic use of "broken" French mixed with the Susu language, creating a comedic and accessible style that won over Guinean audiences. This distinctive linguistic approach became his artistic signature and contributed to the immense popularity of the Pèssè Troupe.
The Pèssè Troupe: A Cultural Revolution
Founded around 1984-1985, at the beginning of Guinea's Second Republic, the Pèssè Troupe significantly increased the viewership of the national television at that time. Every Thursday evening, viewers would gather around their screens to follow the troupe's performances, which addressed Guinean social realities with both humor and depth.
Notable Collaborations and Works
Yakhouba Pèssè collaborated with several talented artists, including Monsieur Pino (Chebli Hawil), Namina Moudou, Alkhaly Mohamed Keita, Abou Dessinateur, Facinet Soumah, and M'Mama Pèssè. Together, they produced memorable works such as "N'tanan Fokhiara" and "La Plantation de Monsieur Pino," productions that paved the way for Guinean theater with purely traditional visual works depicting social facts and Guinea's history.
An Important Cultural Legacy
The Pèssè Troupe, under the leadership of Yakhouba Pèssè and his collaborators, was among the first groups to film movies in local languages in Guinea. This innovation expanded access to theatrical culture to all segments of the Guinean population, thus contributing to the preservation and promotion of the national cultural heritage.
A Tragic End
Unfortunately, Yakhouba Pèssè passed away after a long illness, in difficult conditions despite the intervention of some well-wishers. His death, like that of several other founding members of the troupe (Batèrènna, Abou Dessinateur, Alkhaly Mohamed Keita, and Facinet Soumah), left an immense void in the Guinean cultural landscape.
Today, Yakhouba Pèssè's legacy continues to inspire new generations of Guinean artists, and efforts are being made to revive the Pèssè Troupe, to perpetuate this unique theatrical tradition that has so profoundly marked Guinean culture.
