Maher Cissoko
KORA VIRTUOSO · GRIOT · SINGER · COMPOSER
Ancient traditions. Contemporary sound. A powerful live experience.
Born into a renowned griot family in Casamance, Senegal, Maher Cissoko is a kora virtuoso, singer and composer who carries generations of musical tradition into a contemporary sound of his own.
Now based in Sweden, Maher has performed on stages around the world, both as a solo artist and through acclaimed collaborations including Sousou & Maher Cissoko, Damn! and Nordic Griots.
Rooted in the West African griot tradition, his music moves freely between tradition and innovation – with the kora, voice and rhythm at its heart.
Live In Concert
Kora, voice, percussion, effects and loops come together in Maher's solo performances, allowing him to build everything from intimate, meditative soundscapes to powerful grooves and rhythms.
His concerts draw on the rich musical heritage of Casamance while creating a sound that is unmistakably contemporary – soulful, hypnotic and full of presence.
Maher Cissoko can be booked solo or with his quartet, for festivals, concert venues and special events.
Live - Solo concert
Kora & Voice
An intimate solo performance of Kouma Koumaro from the album Kora Fo, where Maher’s voice and kora take centre stage.
Live at Mix Musik, Moriskan, Malmö, 2023
Live with Damn!
Kora meets a full-band sound.
A special collaboration between Maher Cissoko and the Swedish band DAMN!, bringing together kora and vocals with horns, percussion, keys and groove.
Featuring Kedo from Maher Cissoko’s album Cissoko Heritage, with music arranged and performed by Maher Cissoko & DAMN!.
About
Maher Cissoko has spent more than two decades performing internationally, bringing the sound of the kora to audiences across Europe and beyond.
Throughout his career, he has worked across musical genres and settings – from solo performances and international tours to cross-cultural collaborations and recording projects.
Beyond his own live projects, Maher is an experienced collaborator, composer and session musician, available for recordings, artistic collaborations and commissioned projects.
About Kora World
Kora World is rooted in Maher Cissoko’s griot heritage and dedicated to the ancestors and the generations that follow.
The album reflects on injustice, migration, forgiveness and peace, drawing connections between ancestral wisdom and the world we live in today. Songs such as It’s Enough were shaped by Maher’s response to the killing of George Floyd and the ongoing struggle against racism and injustice
TRACK INSIGHTS
It’s Enough
This track encapsulates the sentiment of 'forgive but not forget.' It calls for reacting against injustice while fostering peace, even in the face of adversity. A collective cry against historical suffering, the song amplifies the exhaustion that stems from centuries of oppression.
Clandestino
In this piece, Maher's heartfelt voice resonates with compassion. A message of caution to his fellow Senegalese citizens, brothers and sisters considering unreliable journeys to Europe, the song pleads for thorough research before undertaking such risky routes, emphasizing the importance of informed choices and caution. He sings: "Don't take the boat, it's a long journey and on the sea there are no branshes to hold on to”.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Concerts · Booking · Collaborations · Sessions · Composition
Interested in working with Maher? Get in touch to discuss concerts, collaborations, recording sessions or other creative projects.
Laye Dialow
Within griot tradition lies the role of celebrating individuals who've made positive impacts. "Laye Dialow" pays homage to Maher's friend, Laye Diallow, who served as a guiding light and inspiration. This celebratory tune captures the spirit of togetherness and mentorship.