Ouspé, whose real name is Kourouma Ousmane, is a key figure in Guinean hip-hop—an artist, beatmaker, producer, and entrepreneur. A pioneer of urban music in Guinea since the 1990s, he has combined passion and expertise by collaborating with major artists and developing innovative projects. With a background as an IT engineer and a degree in English literature, he has diversified his career by engaging in the music industry, artistic production, and teaching Computer-Assisted Music (MAO). As the founder of a communication and production agency, he continues to influence the Guinean music scene while contributing to the growth of the local cultural industry.
Introduction
Born into a family where education and history hold a central place, Kourouma Ousmane, known as Ouspé, developed an unwavering passion for music from an early age. In 1989, he began writing his own lyrics and became one of Guinea's first beatmakers in 1992. He made a name for himself alongside pioneers of Guinean hip-hop such as Kill Point, Raisonnable Djelly, Saga Hip Hop, and Mouvement Rap Sogué.
His musical training took a decisive turn when he joined Collège Sainte-Marie, where he took four years of music theory classes under the guidance of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. As a skilled flutist, he left a lasting impression by performing during the visit of Pope John Paul II to Guinea. From 1992 to 1998, he honed his craft through various urban music projects.
Academic Background
Aware of the importance of a solid education, Ouspé chose to continue his studies alongside his musical career. In 1999, he joined Studio Synergie under the production of MCO to record an album with beatmaker Silan Koutchi. Facing industry challenges, he decided to move to Ghana, where he earned a degree in IT engineering and a diploma in English literature.
During his time in Ghana, he released his first album, Expression (2002), a skillful blend of hip-hop, highlife, and Afro-Guinean sounds.
Musical Innovation
Upon returning to Guinea, Ouspé noticed that the local music scene lagged a decade behind his creations. He then put his skills to use in various studios as a sound engineer and arranger. His talent earned him opportunities to open for renowned artists such as Singuila, Meiway, and the Aragon Orchestra, thanks to the support of Fatoumata from Air France.
In 2005, he produced the album Tentation, which, unfortunately, was never released due to personal reasons. The following year, he met Bob Dinah, a Senegalese sound engineer, and launched a new ten-track album, Émotion. His music video Jolie was broadcast on Africable and YouTube, marking his rise.
Entrepreneurship
In 2008, he joined the Guinean Copyright Office (BGDA) as an arranger and contributed to numerous compilations and unreleased productions. In 2014, he took an entrepreneurial turn, founding his own communication, event management, and artistic production agency. Equipped with a multimedia studio and state-of-the-art sound equipment, his agency produced artists like Ashley, Djely Sayon, and Caroline, as well as the compilation Marché des Tubes.
For four years, he refined his skills in stage management and artistic direction alongside Tidiane World Music, collaborating with stars like Franko, Black M, MHD, Booba, and Maître Gims. At the same time, he joined the group Lynx Lance and taught Computer-Assisted Music (MAO) at the Higher Institute of Arts of Dubréka.
Lasting Influence
After working behind the scenes for some time, Ouspé made a remarkable comeback with a maxi single featuring three tracks, marking a new era in his musical journey.
A pioneer of Guinean hip-hop, a visionary entrepreneur, and an exceptional educator, Ouspé continues to innovate and influence the local music scene. His commitment to sharing knowledge and developing the music industry in Guinea makes him an essential figure in the country's artistic landscape.
With an unwavering passion and relentless determination, he proves that talent combined with perseverance always leads to excellence.
