Maher Cissoko (Senegal)
- jocelyn331
- May 19
- 1 min read
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.”
Featured Song:
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 track showcases Maher’s kora playing and vocals, blending traditional melodies with modern influences.
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