Dieneba Seck was born in Bamako (Mali), but her family's roots are in Kita, a town famous for its music. She is not a griot, though; her father was a nurse and her mother a midwife. She was a shy young girl, and at an early age found that acting gave her the opportunity to confront her timidity by joining the artistic and cultural groups of her district. Contrary to the experience of many Malian artists, she was positively encouraged by her parents, who doubtless sensed a hidden talent.