Event

Zal Idrissa Sissokho and Buntalo play Kora music of West Africa

For Zal Idrissa Sissokho music is about reminding us of who we are, keeping us connected to our history, and sharing between cultures. Sissokho is from Senegal in West Africa but has lived in Montreal since 1999. He comes from a family of griots, the African storytellers who transmit the tradition and history of the Mande Empire from one generation to the next. Sissokho has performed internationally both solo and with his band Buntalo.

"The kora is an interesting instrument. In the tradition, it is played for the Kings. But today, the kora has become one of the most revolutionary instruments. You find it in every style in the music in the world. You can find it in jazz, in Afro-Manding, Afro-Brazilian, hip-hop, Samba, salsa" - Zal Idrissa Sissokho

"Zal Idrissa Sissokho, the Senegales kora player and singer, and his Buntalo quintet delivered a shimmering set of music that ranged from traditional chants to original Afro-funk. The rippling arpeggios Sissokho plucked on his 21-string West African harp felt like cooling water." Alexander Varty and Tony Montague, Straight Notes