BIOGRAPHY

Montrealers are all familiar with the versatility and virtuosity of the remarkable Zal Sissokho. Whether plugged into “sound system” mode, majestically performing solo, or applying his talents to flamenco, as he did on his Kora Flamenca album, this musician is keen to explore any musical style. As long as there is poetry to blend in with his instrument, Zal Sissokho is ready and willing.

Having settled in Montreal in 1999, Quebec never ceases to fascinate him. There is even a charming story about his friendship with Gilles Vigneault that centres around a kora he gifted him. In fact, his artistic journey is built on such fortuitous encounters. Through the course of his musical collaborations, Zal became the griot for the Diouf brothers, Corneille, Lilison di Kinara, Monica Freire and Richard Séguin, which he counts among his most cherished accomplishments.

Always up for a challenge, he adapted his kora style to Cirque du Soleil’s production, Ô, in Las Vegas. Zal venerates his heritage, performing in the Mandinka language as well as in Wolof and French. A chameleon of the universal language of the heart, his lyrics breathe West Africa. This popular kora player has also continued his involvement with Buntalo, the band he founded 2004. It’s clear that the ever-deepening Afro-Mandinka yearning for the majestic 21-stringed instrument will never fade!!