Ouza (Ousmane Diallo) has been an influential figure in Senegalese music. Much respected in Senegal for his critical approach on politics and society, he is less loved by the authorities in his country. Ousmane Diallo went to study music in Côte d'Ivoire during the 1960s. He participated in various traditional music ensembles and ballets before returning to Senegal. Since 1972, he recorded regularly with various groups of female singers such as Les Ouzettes, Les Filles Branchées and others.