Maher Cissoko (Senegal)

Maher Cissoko is a Senegalese-born kora player, singer and songwriter based in Sweden. Raised in a griot family in southern Senegal, he began learning the kora from his father at a young age, continuing a centuries-old musical tradition. After moving to Sweden, he formed a musical and personal partnership with Swedish kora player Sousou Cissoko, with whom he has released multiple albums and toured internationally. Maher’s music blends traditional West African styles with genres like Afrobeat, reggae and dancehall, a mix he refers to as “Mande fusion.” Characterized by rhythmic precision, melodic warmth, and a spirit of openness, Maher’s music blends ancestral knowledge with a contemporary sensibility, reflecting both his West African roots and his European life experience.

Featured Songs:

The song “Miniyamba,” which appeared on his 2021 album Cissoko Heritage, draws from a traditional West African piece. In Mandinka, “Miniyamba” refers to a large snake, often symbolizing beauty and transformation. The song uses the metaphor of the snake’s graceful movements and patterns to describe a woman’s beauty. Performed in Mandinka, the Groove Africa track showcases Maher’s kora playing and vocals, blending traditional melodies with modern influences.

“Kooma Kumaro – Instrumental” is a meditative, flowing piece that showcases the expressive range of the kora, a 22-string West African harp-lute. The piece originally appeared on Cisssoko’s 2017 solo album Kora Fo (“The Kora Speaks” in Mandinka) and is now showcased on Putumayo Discovery's Dream World. Without lyrics, the song communicates through intricate fingerwork, layered rhythms, and gentle harmonies. Its title, which suggests a journey or inner path, is reflected in the track’s unhurried pace and soulful dynamics.

Artist Website

Featured On:

Click images to learn more