Born into a large griot family based in Dakar, Senegal, Mohamed was surrounded by song, dance and rhythm from birth. Mohamed's grandfather was the great griot Abdou-Karim Gueye, a master drummer in Senegal who taught many future masters. Abdou-Karim was also the 'Batch Guewel' of Dakar, a master of ceremonies who played at large celebrations and traditional ceremonies. Mohamed's father, Medoune Yacine 'Dame' Gueye, is a master drummer living in Washington, USA. Before leaving Senegal for the USA, Medoune Gueye was one of the most famous drummers of his generation playing with the Ballet National du Senegal and Ballet Africains Mansour Gueye, he has toured the world teaching and performing.
Growing up in his grandfather's home, Mohamed became proficient in several indigenous drum styles and rhythms including the Djembe, Sawrouba, Sabar and Tama drums. Here Mohamed also learnt about the care and maintenance of drums and the history of the griots in Senegal. Together with his grandfather and father, many of Mohamed's brothers, uncles and cousins were and still are professional drummers, forming a family heritage rich in the history and culture of West African percussion.
From a young age Mohamed decided to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, and was a dedicated student. He completed his education at the Centre Culturel Blaise Senghor in Dakar where he studied African arts with Ndjon Kounda Ndiaye of the Ballet National du Senegal and with visiting teachers such as Mamady Keita and Doudou Ndiaye Rose. He performed with groups including Ambassador and Daradji and continued to perform with his family at important events, such as Lambe (Senegalese wrestling) and ceremonies and tanebers across Senegal.
Since moving to London in 2010, Mohamed has been highly sought after for his expertise and energetic performances. He has performed and worked with many artists including Baaba Maal, Carlou D, Pape Diouf, Salam Jallo, Sonkhoy Blues (Africa Express), Seye, and Royal Batuke. As a performer and teacher Mohamed has appeared at many festivals in the UK including Aberdeen Festival 2010, Womad 2011 and 2012, the Isle of Wight Festival, Drum Camp 2011 and 2012, African Drum Village, JUMPforJOY! and venues across London including the Olympic Park and Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Mohamed currently works and performs with numerous London based dancers and musicians including Diene Sagna (Yaye Dib Sabar), Alesandra Seutin (Vocab Dance), Irineu Nogueira, Landing Mane (Jamo Jamo Arts), Amadou Diagne and Abdoulaye Samb. Mohamed plays for several regular dance classes in London and is an artist with the West African drum and dance company Yaye Dib Sabar.
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