Black Bear Moon Designs

about Kaouding Cissoko

Kaouding Cissoko's solo debut Kora Revolution focuses on the versatility of the performer and the instrument. As Senegal's leading African lute-harp player and a key member of Baaba Maal's band, Cissoko expands the kora's range and blends Latin and jazz elements with traditional West African music. His family backs him on most of the album's tracks, playing djembe, tama, balafon and acoustic bass and guitar. They also contribute vocals, as does Baaba Maal.

Senegalese Kora Master Kaouding Cissoko Dies at 38

Senegal — Kaouding Cissoko, a master kora player and member of Baaba Maal’s band, passed away on July 17th. Cissoko was a diabetic and had to watch his diet. Recently he had sought healers (marabouts) to find out why he was so ill. Eventually, Baaba Maal forced him to go to the hospital where he was diagnosed with acute tuberculosis. He was treated, but it was too late.

Cissoko became a member of Baaba Maal's band in 1991. He collaborated with Afro-Celt Sound System, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Michael Brooks, and Ernest Ranglin.

Kaouding Cissoko recorded one solo CD, Kora Revolution(Palm Pictures, 1999). Produced by jazz bassist Ira Coleman, the recording featured Cissoko’s father, his nieces, Mamy and Sokhna, and his sister, Binta, on vocals. He had recently finished recording material with his niece, Cisse Damba Kanoute, a backing vocalist with Baaba Maal.

Kaouding Cissoko is survived by his wife and 3 children.