Born in a Muslim family, she became a Christian in 1996 and joined her local church choir.

After her wedding, she joined her husband in a Church planting project in which she was the worship team leader.

Kissatou came to the USA with no English knowledge. After taking ESL classes, she was able to write and sing songs in English, in addition to her songs in French, Dioula, and Moore. She mostly performs at social gatherings, sharing African culture with her audience.

The name Kissatou is a childhood nickname given to her by her late disabled sister who used to make donuts to sell. Due to the sister's disability, she needed someone to transport the dough. She would mostly call Barkissa, but instead of calling her by her name Barkissa like everybody else, with a sweet voice, she would use the nickname Kissatou.

Kissatou is a sweet heartfelt call for help, with the certitude that that help will be there for you.

P.S: Kissatou/Barkissa is the founder of the Charity Hope For Desperate Hearts. https://www.hope-for-desperate-hearts.org/