Senegal – Kaouding Cissoko, a master kora player and member of Baaba Maal’s band,
passed away on July 17th. Cissoko was a diabetic and had to watch his diet. Recently he had sought healers (marabouts) to find out why he was so ill. Eventually, Baaba Maal forced him to go to the hospital where he was diagnosed with acute tuberculosis. He was treated, but it was too late.Cissoko became a member of Baaba Maal’s band in 1991. He collaborated with
Afro-Celt Sound System, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Michael Brooks, and Ernest Ranglin.
Kaouding Cissoko recorded one solo CD, Kora Revolution(Palm Pictures, 1999). Produced by jazz bassist Ira Coleman, the recording featured Cissoko’s father, his nieces, Mamy and Sokhna, and his sister, Binta, on vocals. He had recently finished recording material with his niece, Cisse Damba Kanoute, a.backing vocalist with Baaba Maal.
Kaouding Cissoko is survived by his wife and 3 children
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
