We recently had the chance to connect with Bandiougou Dione and have shared our conversation below.
Bandiougou, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am following the clear path I set for myself a long time ago. I’m grateful to God for making it visible and attainable, even when patience was required. Step by step, I move steadily toward my goals.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Bandiougou Dione, and I’m a creative entrepreneur with a deep passion for storytelling, culture, and music. I’m also a graduate of the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, where I studied acting—an experience that shaped the way I approach creativity and human connection.
I am the founder of Throwback-Connect, a digital platform dedicated to celebrating music memories and the emotional power of sound. The idea was born from my lifelong love for music and the way it connects people across generations, cultures, and life experiences. Throwback-Connect is more than just a music platform—it’s a space where people can relive memories, discover stories behind the music, watch iconic videos, connect with others, and engage through podcasts, live content, and interactive features.
What makes my work unique is the blend of nostalgia, technology, and community. I’m focused on building experiences that are not only entertaining but also meaningful—where music becomes a bridge between past and present, and between people around the world. Right now, I’m actively growing the platform, expanding its content, and collaborating with creatives who share the same vision of using music as a tool for connection and inspiration.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful wasn’t tied to status or success—it was tied to belief. I remember being very young and realizing that even though I came from humble beginnings, I carried big dreams inside me. The moment I understood that my voice, my imagination, and my faith could shape my future, I felt a quiet but real sense of power.
I would look at all forms of art—music, film, painting, and more—and feel a strong sense of capability, as if I, too, could create something just as meaningful, or even greater. As I grew up, I had the opportunity to explore many sides of art, including drawing, music, acting, and storytelling. Each time I practiced one of these, I felt that this particular form of expression belonged to me—deeply and personally. And when I shared my art, seeing that it touched and pleased others only strengthened that early feeling of power.
Later in life, that feeling returned even stronger when I chose to follow my creative path despite uncertainty. Every time I trusted my vision and took a step forward on my own terms, that same inner power continued to grow.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child, art was my refuge—it truly saved me. I would take a piece of paper and start drawing, and in those moments, my sadness and fear would slowly fade away. I kept all my drawings in a folder and would return to them often, not only for comfort but also to dream. Creating allowed me to escape, to imagine, and to feel hope again.
As I grew older, that same healing came through other forms of art—listening to music, watching films, making beats, and writing stories. Art continued to grow with me and became my way of processing emotions and finding peace. Above all, I kept dreaming—dreaming of a better future where my art could thrive and reach every corner of the world.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—the public version of me is truly the real me. I am open-minded and naturally drawn to people. I love meeting others, having meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and exchanging advice. I am friendly, kind, and genuinely helpful by nature, and that doesn’t change whether I’m in public or in private.
I don’t believe in hiding who I am or presenting something untrue to others. I express myself freely and honestly, and most of the time, I am a very smiling, positive person. Sometimes that surprises people—they may doubt it or think it’s too good to be true. But that joy and openness are simply who I am. I feel at my best when I’m being myself, not trying to become someone else.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What light inside you have you been dimming?
I wouldn’t say I’ve been dimming my light—rather, I believe the world simply hasn’t fully seen it yet. Deep inside me is a light I truly believe can bring something meaningful to the world. It is a light meant to create memorable art that serves and uplifts others. My light is meant to be a bridge between people—across races, cultures, and religions.
I believe this light carries the potential to bring peace, to contribute to the well-being of humanity, and to reach people from every background and social level. It is not meant to illuminate only my own generation, but many generations to come. I live for this light, and it reflects through my art. I believe art is one of the purest ways to express God’s power on Earth. The light inside me is, at its core, the light of a true man of art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://throwback-connect.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bandiougou.dione/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bandiougou-dione-ba7a24100/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bandiougou.dione
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