Ballaké Sissoko, We 15.07.2026, Gent Jazz Gent

Ballaké Sissoko was born into a Griot family—a West African lineage of musical storytellers. His father moved the family from Gambia to Mali to join the national orchestra, and after his passing, thirteen year-old Sissoko took his father's place. In 1999, the kora player—a master of the traditional 21-string African lute—gained international recognition with New Ancient Strings, a landmark collaboration with Toumani Diabaté. It marked the beginning of a remarkable global career.

For Sissoko, music is the most important form of communication. Through the Kora, he expresses himself with striking openness, shaping even the most delicate emotional nuances. He has been part of such projects as 3MA, collaborated extensively with cellist Vincent Ségal, and worked with composer Ludovico Einaudi on the acclaimed 2003 album 'Diario Mali’. His musical language is hypnotic, almost spellbinding—hovering between tradition and experimentation. Sissoko even modified his Kora with additional keys, enabling a deeper exchange with Western musical traditions.

For fans of: Toumani Diabaté, Anouar Brahem, Vincent Segal, Ali Farka Touré