Ibou Cissokho

Origin

Ziguinchor, Senegal

Genres

world music, afro-jazz, mbalax, folk

Instruments

kora, vocals

Biography

Ibou Cissokho is a Senegalese singer and kora player, hailing from the Casamance region. He comes from a long lineage of griots, traditional West African musicians and storytellers, and learned to play the kora from his father, the renowned Solo Cissokho. Ibou has established himself as a prominent kora player in Norway, where he is based, and has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, pushing the boundaries of traditional West African music.

His musical journey involves a rich tapestry of collaborations, including a trio called "Burn for the moon" with Bafana Nhlapo and Mark Axiak, and a notable duo with Norwegian harpist Sidsel Walstad. Their collaboration, "Tamoo – A Musical Encounter Between Harp and Kora," explores the intersection of Nordic and West African traditions, resulting in a unique blend of melodies and rhythms. Ibou has also been a key collaborator with the Norwegian rap duo Karpe, participating in their historic concert series and European tours.

Cissokho's music is often described as spiritual, drawing inspiration from the Quran, and deeply rooted in the jali tradition. He skillfully weaves traditional West African heptatonic and pentatonic modes with polyrhythmic structures, often incorporating influences from blues and pop music. Through his work, Ibou Cissokho continues to honor his heritage while forging new paths in contemporary music, demonstrating the versatility and enduring appeal of the kora.