Ballaké Sissoko and Derek Gripper share single off collabo album

‘Ninkoy’ was recorded a day after Sissoko and Gripper’s first meeting at a 50 years of kora celebrarion at the London School of Oriental and African Studies.

The track is a freestyle exploration of the resonances of the harp repertoire of the Manding empire of West Africa. It is a result of the bubbling textures of harp strings combined with the guitar to create a melodically transparent reading of imagined kora pieces that sound both ancient and contemporary.

“Musically we tested each other,” Sissoko said. “We have the mastery of our instruments, the technique and a good ear. Derek is very curious, that’s very important.”

Gripper said: “He’s [Sissoko] just such a good listener. It’s not what he plays, it’s how he plays it. He’s an amazing interpreter, the prime master of timbre.”

The musical exchange between Sissoko’s kora and Gripper’s guitar represents a meeting of minds at the pinnacle of their craft. These virtuosos navigate their instruments with a blend of precision and freedom, showcasing mastery in their respective musical realms.

While Sissoko draws from the rich traditions of the kora rooted in the historical Kaabu Empire spanning Gambia, southern Senegal and Guinea Bissau, Gripper’s expertise lies in the European classical guitar tradition, highlighting the convergence of distinct musical lineages and backgrounds in their collaboration.

The upcoming album will be jointly released by Platoon and Matsuli Music.