Mamadou Cissoko

Djembe-fola and Kora player Mamadou N'diaye Cissokho is a member of the famous Cissokho griot Musicians and oral historians. He is a musical emissary in the true Manding tradition. Mamadou was born in Lindiane, a leafy superb in the lush green region of Casamance Hi there, Southern Senegal. He has inherited the Griot tradition from his mother's family, (particularly his late grandfather, Jali Kemo) who have provided music to the area for many years. Mamadou is a virtusso drummer and percussionist with an enviable repertorie of rhythms fusing together traditional and modern beats - its an irresistable mix!! He plays a variety of West African percussion instruments including; Djembe, Sabar, Tama (talking drum) and Djun Djun.

In addition to his percussion skills, Modou specialises in playing the 22 stringed African Harp - The Kora. His performance combines a combination of traditional Mandinkan songs commemorating political figures and historical deeds, fused with haunting melodies, imploring praise, witty proverbs and delicate lyricism. After mesmerising audiences at Glastonbury, WOMAD UK (along side Papa Wemba and Cheikh Lo), Drum call, Drumcamp and Lama Tree Festival to name but a few. He can be seen performing as a solo performer and/or with various members of his family.

Modou also works with numerous performance and dance groups. The Mandinkan are all part of the larger Manding ethnic group - these are a group of approximately 11 million people living in and around Senegal, Mali and the Gambia. The Mande trace their ancestry back to the 13th Century Malian Empire. Their remarkable repertoire of songs, praise, geneaology and history of the professional caste of musicians (Jalis or Griots) was supported by leading families and heads of state. Mamadou carries this historical pedigree his dream being, to spread through his music the universal language of peace, togetherness, love and understanding across the globe.