Born in Washington, DC, Uasuf Gueye comes from a diverse background of music. His mother is a school teacher from Washington, DC. His father belongs to a family of West African oral historians and musicians known as Nguewel/Jeli.

He began his musical journey at the feet of his father and other master musicians as he learned the techniques of West African percussion. Through these disciplines, Uasuf received his first training as a musician, performer, oral historian, and lecturer. At a young age, he began traveling and performing as a musician for the local West African Dance Companies in the Washington, DC area.

Over time, Gueye began to seek out different ways to express himself through music while making connections between both sides of his lineage. He began using his traditional African instruments to create hip hop, rock, R&B and jazz grooves, topped off with captivating rap and R&B lyrics. As a result, he has developed a vast repertoire that ranges from traditional songs from the 13th century to original compositions incorporating blues and jazz riffs.

Uasuf is now a dynamic multi-instrumentalist, playing six instruments including the West African xylophone known as Bala, a skillful composer and recording artist, as well as a captivating educator and teaching artist. Uasuf Gueye creates, teaches, and plays music that appeals to listeners from any age or background and is guaranteed to leave you wanting more. 

Professional work and accomplishments include:

• Lead Musician for bands Uasuf Gueye & Urban Virtuosos and the Uasuf Gueye Trio

• 2017-2018 Strathmore Artist in Residence

• Musician/Performing Artist for Alex Martin Music, Proper SKANKS, Africa Unplugged and others

• Guest Artist and Lecturer for American University, Berklee College of Music, and various D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area K-12 schools

• Music Accompanist for Kankouran African Dance, Coyaba Dance Theater, and more