KORA PLAYER
COMPOSER
PRODUCER
Griot on a mission
My instrument the Kora has been on a long journey around the world and through times of history, and the more it’s travelling, the more sounds and expressions get connected to the instrument.
In the past the kora was often played with a female singer, like my mother - a jalimuso and her “kadinjango” and sometimes accompanied by a ngoni or balafon. When I grew up I was watching my elder brother Solo Cissokho exploring and developing the sound of the kora in his way, combining it with different instruments like bass and percussion.
Experiencing the new sounds and seeing the happiness and vibe it was creating, gave me the inspiration to continue to bring the kora in different atmospheres to find new connections. The kora and the music will always evolve, it’s in its nature.
All of this is a part of the mission and the heritage of being a griot/jali - how to be open and collaborate with different styles and influences and at the same time not forgetting your roots, keeping them alive by building bridges.
The roots are always present but each jali has their personal touch. You learn from others but you do not copy, you just create your own style. That’s what I wanted to present my album. My own new style and my kora music of today.
The future generations that are coming after me will join with another level and another perspective and I am happy that I could invite my daughter Awa as well on the Cissoko Heritage album. We are all a part of the heritage and it is our mission to create the music we love and spread it in the world!
Thank you for joining me and my kora!
Maher Cissoko
Welcome to join me and my family on unique retreats and musical adventures in Senegal on the magical retreat center Jaliya Camp in Senegal.
Learn how to play the kora with me on Patreon - both with tutorials and exclusive one-on-one sessions!