Fode Sissoko

Fode Sissoko was born in Kolda, Senegal, into one of the most eminent musical famillies in West Africa. Virtually at birth, he was incorporated into his father’s well-known family group, “Ninki-Nanka”. As a young child, Fode began his training on the kora, a West African harp, and was already performing as a “Griot” (singer / musician / storyteller) by the age of 5. At 8, he began playing the djembe and dun-dun drums. While still in his native country, he became known for his polytechnical virtuosity. Mr. Sissoko is an acknowledged master of the drum and kora.

As a touring artist in Africa, Europe, and the Americas, with numerous companies including Baba Olatunji, Mori Kantay and Salif Keyta, he has become well known as a featured soloist. As a vocalist, he has clearly inherited his family’s soaring singing technique, and saunters deftly among tonal colors and styles. What also sets Fode apart, as American audiences have been hearing, is his unique songwriting ability, as he unravels wonderful musical and poetic sensitivities, while integrating traditional techniques and melodies into contemporary expressions. Mr. Sissoko, an endearing performer and impressive singer, has become adept at interjecting into his music subjects from modern times, such as the struggle for peace, anecdotal lessons from daily life, and spiritual striving. He has stunned audience by spontaneously introducing into extensive improvisations ideas “of the moment”, and can induce listeners into a state of spellbound, joyful relaxation. Fode Sissoko is living proof of African music’s vibrancy and inherent creative power.