WOMAD

Ballaké Sissoko

From Mali

Ballaké Sissoko is a master of the kora, a harp with twenty-one strings and a crystalline, cascading sound. After performing with the renowned Ensemble Instrumental du Mali, he rose to fame with astonishing solo performances and in duet with Toumani Diabate, Taj Mahal and host of other musicians. His current ensemble, which features traditional guitar, bass kora and the outstanding voice of Mama Draba, not only carries West African acoustic instrumental tradition to rare heights of virtuosity but also masters an awesome level of improvisation.