Moussa M'baye is a prominent figure on the Guinean music scene, best known as one of the founding members of the renowned rap group Degg J Force 3, formed in the popular Boulbinet neighborhood of Conakry. A socially committed artist, he contributed to the success of landmark albums such as Mach Allah (2001) and Débrouillard (2011). He is also a visionary cultural entrepreneur, co-founder of the “Mach'Allah” studio and the event management company “Meurs Libre Prod.”
His influence extends beyond the artistic realm. He is the founder of the humanitarian organization “7ème Continent” and was appointed an ambassador for the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases in 2022. A passionate advocate for Guinea’s cultural sector, he currently serves as the Head of External Relations for the Federation of Cultural and Economic Enterprises of Guinea (FECEG) and works actively to develop a thriving cultural industry in the country.
Introduction
Moussa M'baye is an emblematic figure in Guinean urban music, known primarily as one of the founding members of the legendary rap group Degg J Force 3. His journey perfectly illustrates the evolution of the Guinean music scene and his commitment to the cultural and social development of his country.
Promising Beginnings in Urban Music
Originally from the popular neighborhood of Boulbinet, in downtown Conakry, Moussa M'baye took his first steps in the music world in the late 90s. It was with his brother Abdoulaye M'baye, nicknamed "Skandale," and Moussa Camara alias "2pac" that he formed the group Degg J Force 3. The group's name, meaning "concrete truths combined with three forces" (embodying the just, the good, and the true), already reflects the commitment that would characterize their career.
The trio gained attention in 1999 through their participation in the musical compilation "Saga Hip-hop" with the track "Je Veux Ton Amour" (I Want Your Love). But it was in 2001 that Degg J Force 3 achieved recognition with the release of their first album "Mach Allah" (meaning "by the grace of God"), produced at the YES studio in Dakar with the collaboration of Fadaa Freddy from the Senegalese group Daraa J.
This first opus met with phenomenal success in Guinea and the sub-region, with exceptional record sales of more than 78,000 copies. This success propelled the group to become a reference in the Guinean musical landscape.
Rich and Engaged Musical Career
Over the years, Degg J Force 3 established itself as one of the most influential rap groups in Guinea and West Africa. After the departure of Moussa Camara "2pac" for abroad, the M'baye brothers continued their musical adventure as a duo.
In 2009, they released their second album "Reste Indépendant" (Stay Independent), which confirmed their status as engaged artists. Their lyrics, deep and sprinkled with anecdotes, denounce the social difficulties faced by young Africans, while promoting the values of success and perseverance.
To celebrate their ten years of career, Degg J Force 3 launched a third album entitled "Débrouillard" (Resourceful) in 2011. The same year, they organized two major concerts at the People's Palace and Rogbane Beach in Conakry, also re-releasing their first album "Mach Allah" and a best-of compilation of their greatest hits.
Moussa M'baye's musical style is characterized by a distinctive soul flow which, combined with his brother Abdoulaye's more furious style, creates a unique sonic signature that has seduced several generations of Guinean and African listeners.
Cultural Entrepreneur and Producer
Beyond his career as an artist, Moussa M'baye has proven to be a visionary cultural entrepreneur. With his brother, he founded the recording studio "Mach'Allah" and the event company "Meurs Libre Prod" in 2012, thus becoming a key player in the Guinean cultural landscape.
Their company has distinguished itself by organizing major events, such as the concert of the French group Sexion d'Assaut in Conakry and the celebrations of the five years of the group "Banlieuz'art," with the production of its two albums.
In 2021, Moussa M'baye became head of external relations for the Federation of Cultural and Economic Enterprises of Guinea (FECEG), an organization that works for the development of the Guinean cultural sector.
Humanitarian and Social Engagement
Moussa M'baye's commitment extends far beyond the artistic realm. He is the founder of the humanitarian association "7ème Continent" (7th Continent), through which he conducts various actions in the fields of health and education.
In March 2020, his association organized a free medical consultation for a hundred orphans in Conakry, illustrating his desire to "link word to action" and to provide concrete solutions to the social problems of his country.
In February 2022, in recognition of his commitment, the National Program for the Fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (PNLMTN) designated him as an ambassador to raise awareness about these often unknown diseases. On this occasion, Moussa collaborated with other artists such as Alifa, Antoine Flingo, Manamba Kanté, Djanii Alfa, and Fish Killer to create an awareness song.
Defender of Guinean Culture
As a fervent defender of the cultural sector, Moussa M'baye does not hesitate to take a public stand to denounce the authorities' lack of consideration for culture. In January 2019, during his appearance on RFI in the program "Couleurs tropicales," he criticized the Guinean government for its lack of investment in this area, stating that "politicians still don't understand how important culture is for the country."
In August 2021, as a representative of FECEG, he participated in a meeting with the Guinean Prime Minister to submit a memorandum containing proposals to revitalize the cultural sector. This document addressed seven essential points, including the management of copyright, the establishment of a Covid fund, support for the monetization of works through digital means, and the strengthening of cultural cooperation.
Legacy and Influence
Today, Moussa M'baye remains an essential reference for new generations of Guinean artists. His journey illustrates how art can be a vector for social change and a driver of economic development.
Despite the challenges and difficulties encountered throughout his career, he continues to believe in the potential of Guinean culture and the possibility of building a true cultural industry in his country. As he emphasized in his public interventions, "if today we give strength to Guinean music, art, theater, cinema, writing, to all sectors of culture, normally there is no reason why we shouldn't take off, because it's not talent that's lacking."
Through his artistic talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and social commitment, Moussa M'baye perfectly embodies this new generation of African artists who seek to transform their success into development opportunities for their community and country.
