Sousou & Maher Cissoko, the multiple award-winning Senegalese/Swedish duo, transcend both musical and geographical borders, mirroring their own dynamic life journey. Their shared passion for music and the profound connections they make with people fuel their constant movement and artistic evolution. Maher is an innate kora player, and Sousou stands as one of the world’s few female kora musicians.

Hailing from the southern regions of Sweden and Senegal, Sousou & Maher Cissoko have earned recognition as one of Sweden’s most revered world music ensembles. Their music has graced stages in Canada, the USA, Africa, Asia, and various European nations, with performances at jazz, folk, world, and city festivals, as well as in concert halls, clubs, and schools.

Their remarkable journey has attracted the attention of Swedish television and radio, resulting in documentaries that celebrate their musical odyssey. In a particularly touching moment, they moved Youssou N’dour to tears during a performance of two of his songs alongside Swedish hip-hop sensation Timbuktu when N’dour received the prestigious Polar Music Prize.

Both Sousou and Maher hail from families of musicians, and their shared love for the West African kora, a harp lute, brought them together. Rooted in the troubadour culture, which emphasizes the preservation of musical heritage through innovation, their interpretation translates into exquisite kora artistry, soulful vocals, and rhythmic vigor, incorporating elements of reggae, folk, soul, and jazz.

Descending from the Cissoko family of West African storytellers, their songs convey a vital message of unity and connection, transcending boundaries that separate nations and people. This message is reinforced by their versatility, singing in five different languages.

Sousou & Maher Cissoko’s music mirrors the nomadic nature of their shared existence, marked by ceaseless exploration and embracing diverse cultures.

– We are constantly working on finding and developing our expressions, creating our own songs, opening our hearts and finding our own voices. Times change and we are living in a global world where everything is connected. We want to continue to give comfort, share hope and love around the world!

The duo has created our dream place in Senegal Jaliya Camp – a beautiful and unique creative space in the small village of Abene in Southern Senegal.

Usually they organize a transformative New Years Retreat with kora music, singing, yoga and meditation. They are also touring with a concept consisting of Kora, Yoga and seminars.