Sousou & Maher Cissoko, a Senegalese-Swedish award-winning duo, seamlessly blend borders in their music, mirroring the fusion in their shared life as a couple. Maher's innate talent for the kora and Sousou's distinction as one of a handful of professional female kora players worldwide cemented their connection. Both Sousou and Maher hail from musical families, united by their passion for the West African kora, a pivotal instrument in griot culture. Honoring this tradition, they innovate while upholding the musical legacy infusing their performances with kora melodies, heartfelt vocals, and an eclectic blend of reggae, folk, soul, and jazz influences.
Featured Song:
Their gentle Café du Monde song, "Små Små Händer," is a heartfelt dedication to the children of the world, capturing the universal sentiment of cherishing every stage of a child's life: “Small, small hands / Reaching for me / Small, small tentative steps / Looking for someone to hold / I want to stop time / At the same time watch you grow.”
The Cultural Crossroads song, “Wula,” is dedicated to Maher's brother Aliou Cissoko, who passed away in Norway in 2010. It originally appeared on Sousou & Maher 2014 album Africa Moo Balu on the ajabu! record label. “Far away from your mother,” they sing, “And far away from your father / To die alone is not easy / We must try to come together before death separates us / We wish you a long life and safe travels.”
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