Noumoucounda Cissoko

Originally from Senegal, now living in Montreal, singer-songwriter, percussionist and kora player Noumoucounda Cissoko is a committed artist who masters rhythms and melodies in a unique way. Come and discover this exceptional artist on February 9^th at 8pm! 

Born into a family of griots, Noumoucounda Cissoko has the kora in his blood! He perfected his learning of the instrument with his family, then at the Dakar conservatory, where he concentrated on a traditional repertoire.

His desire to cross borders led him in 1994 to join the group Positive Black Soul, one of the pioneers of African rap, with whom he travelled the world for 20 years.

He has since collaborated with many renowned artists including Alpha Blondy, MC Solaar, Ernest Ranglin, Youssou N’Dour and Stromae. With his kora, his creative energy is contagious. Noumoucounda truly embodies a new kind of versatile and modern artist: the urban griot.

His first album Faling (which means “sharing” in Bambara), released in 2012, allowed him to travel the world, notably to China, Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Canada. In 2017 he set up his own label and recording studio in Dakar – Karantaba Records – with his partner of 15 years, Fred Hirschy.

The studio allowed him to work on his new album Noumoukan Wilila, released in 2019. It’s a highly personal project, in which he talks about development and progress but also touches on education and African women’ rights.