This class is not currently being offered in our catalog.
This class is not currently being offered in our catalog.
Join dynamic duo, Sousou and Maher Cissoko, members of a legendary jali or griot family from Senegal, for a unique workshop in West African Mandinka music. Focus will be on the importance of the kora (West African harp) in addition to the rhythms, instrumentation, and vocal styles that make this musical tradition so special. Participants will learn a song or two from the traditional Mandinka repertoire.
This workshop is geared towards guitarists, percussionists, vocalists and those interested in getting a hands-on experience with a kora. There will be a limited number of koras available but everyone should get a chance to try one out.
Maher Cissoko was born into a legendary griot family in Casamance, Senegal, that has seen the art of kora playing passed from generation to generation for more than 700 years. Maher has embellished this tradition and developed his own explosive and danceable style.
Sousou Cissoko, a singer from Sweden is one of a few female kora players in the world. She fell in love with the kora and travelled to the Gambia at age 19 to study West African Mandinka traditions. She now spends half of the year living in Senegal and continues to study kora, Mandinka vocal technique and guitar. The couple tours with their band all around the world and they are happy to be coming back to Chicago!
