THIÈS

Aziz Diagne

Master Artist & Cultural Ambassador

Aziz Diagne is a multidisciplinary artist with over four decades of dedicated practice. For him, art is not a choice but a fundamental way of understanding and engaging with the world. Born in Thiès, Senegal, he has devoted his career to preserving and evolving his country's artistic heritage while expanding it through contemporary approaches. Working across intaglio printmaking, reverse painting on glass, mixed-media collage, and painting, Diagne combines traditional craftsmanship with technical innovation. His development of the Thiessoise Technique reflects his ability to reinterpret historical methods into a modern visual language. His work explores memory, material, and transformation, often reusing elements from past creations to build layered, meaningful compositions. Alongside his studio practice, he is committed to teaching and mentorship, continuing to pass on knowledge while shaping contemporary artistic expression.

Ma Sané

Afro-fusion singer

Born in Thiès, Ma Sané is considered one of the most beautiful voices of Afro-fusion in Senegal. She marked the history of national music by becoming, from 1990, the charismatic lead vocalist of the legendary neighborhood group WaFlash from Thiès. A true stage performer, she managed to establish herself in a very masculine universe by mixing traditional mbalax rhythms with jazz, rock, and world music influences. After a period of retreat in Europe, she began a remarkable solo comeback, carried by a powerful voice and an unforgettable stage presence.

Souleymane Guèye, dit "Jules Guèye"

Multi-instrumentalist & composer

A native of Thiès, Jules Guèye is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist (trumpet, flute, guitar) and a great master of music theory. Having dropped out of secondary school early to live his passion, he spent a dozen years at the Dakar Conservatory of Music under the wing of Russian teachers. A former footballer for US Rail de Thiès, he is renowned for his intellectual vision of art, defending a calm and spiritual listening to music rather than solely danceable. His pedagogical approach and musical rigor have trained many Senegalese musicians.

Abdoulaye Ndiaye, dit "Ablaye Ndiaye Thiossane"

Singer, actor & visual artist

This monument of Senegalese culture passed away in May 2022 at the age of 86 in Thiès. A total artist, he was a singer (notably within the legendary Royal Band of Thiès), author of the historical song "Taal leen làmp" awarded at FESMAN 1966, but also a talented actor and visual artist. He painted remarkable scenes of traditional Senegalese life on cardboard. His commitment to preserving Thiossane culture and his versatile talent make him an emblematic figure of 20th-century Senegalese art.

Marseille

Historic twinning between Thiès and Marseille, focused on cultural exchanges and artistic cooperation. Numerous cross exhibitions and artist residencies.

Solin

Cooperation focused on historical and archaeological heritage. Researcher exchanges and cultural heritage conservation projects.

Crato

Artistic partnership strengthening ties between the creative communities of both cities. Focus on visual arts and traditional music.

Berkeley

Recent twinning focused on social innovations and community projects. Exchanges between universities and cultural centers.