Maher Cissoko – Cissoko Heritage (Ajabu! Records, 2021)
Kora master Maher Cissoko has released his second solo album. Originally from Casamance in southern Senegal, Maher is currently based in Sweden and has released several successful world music albums as part of the duo Sousou & Maher Cissoko,
Cissoko Heritage introduces the listener to Maher’s kora-driven Mande Fusion. Indeed, Cissoko brilliantly intertwines the jali (griot) traditions of Casamance with Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, Afropop and mbalax.
Maher Cissoko delivers fascinating kora work and captivating vocals accompanied by tama (talking drum), backing vocals, and electronic keyboards at times. Maher is a talented percussionist as well and plays various percussion instruments including the aforementioned talking drum, calabash, and jembe.
Maher Cissoko first solo album was Kora Fo (2017). Recordings as Sousou & Maher Cissoko include Adouna (2008), Stockholm – Dakar (2011), Africa Moo Baalu (2014), and Made Of Music (2018).
Buy Cissoko Heritage
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.