Born in Saint-Louis, he grew up on the outskirts of Dakar and studied at the University of Dakar. After two years he quit his studies, opting for an existence as a full time musician. He started the rap group Bat’haillons Blin-D together with friends from his neighborhood. In 2003, Fou Malade released his first cassette '2guntaan' which sold over 15.000 copies and which landed him the nickname 'Fou Malade' (Crazy sick person). The year after he was invited by Bouba N'dour, brother of famous singer Youssou N'dour, to participate in a track on the album of singer Viviane, Bouba's wife. The track 'Taxi' and its video became a big hit in Senegal. Following the success he recorded a full album with producer Bouba.