Senegalese artist Maher Cissoko shares Kora World album

Comprising 10 songs, the LP melds the beauty of the ancient griot tradition with the urgency of today’s struggles. Cissoko’s expressive compositions serve as a testament to the power of music as a vessel for change, healing, and unity. 

Cissoko describes Kora World as “an ode to the messages of forgiveness and peace that have historically anchored griots in times of oppression and adversity.”

He added: “Bearing witness to injustice, like the tragic killing of George Floyd and countless others, this album becomes a channel for the emotions, both powerful and anguished that arise.”

The project’s standout tracks include ‘It’s Enough,’ encouraging a response to injustice while promoting peace during difficult times, and ‘Clandestino’, carrying a message of caution to Senegalese citizens about illegal migration to Europe. “Don’t take the boat, it’s a long journey and on the sea, there are no branches to hold on to,” Cissoko sings on ‘Clandestino’. ‘Laye Diallo’ captures the spirit of mentorship, and finds its author paying homage to a friend who served as a guiding light and inspiration. 

Currently based in Sweden, Cissoko, hails from a distinguished griot family, garnering acclaim both as a solo artist and as part of the renowned duo Sousou & Maher Cissoko, which features his Swedish wife.

In his quest to preserve his heritage and build bridges, Cissoko notes that being a griot, a jali, carries a profound sense of responsibility and a dedication to embracing different styles and influences while staying grounded in one’s roots.

“It entails forging connections and building bridges that keep our heritage alive. The essence of our ancestral traditions is an ever-present foundation, yet every jali adds their unique touch. We learn from one another, drawing inspiration, but never imitating. Instead, we craft our distinct styles. It is this personal artistic expression that I aim to present in this album – an amalgamation of my new style and the contemporary essence of my kora music.”