Sana
Cissokho
A griot voice from Casamance, carrying Mandinka stories on 21 strings.
Official video
Watch, listen, learn.
Music videos, live sessions and the stories behind the songs, straight from Sana’s YouTube channel.
@sanacissokhoNew kora videos, live sessions and Mandinka culture
Seventy generations of song.
Sana Cissokho was born in Bignona, in the Casamance region of southern Senegal, into a Mandinka family of dialis, the griots who keep West Africa’s history in music. The kora was part of daily life at home, and Sana began learning it at four, from parents and older siblings.
Today Sana blends the classical kora tradition with contemporary sound, and shares Mandinka history and culture on stage, in workshops and online.
Singles
Every release, on every platform. Tap a single to listen.
On stages and festivals worldwide
Bring the kora closer.
Kora Masterclass
Learn the kora from a griot family tradition: posture, the classic patterns, and the songs behind them.
- Beginners welcome
- Online, at your own pace
- Join the waitlist for launch pricing
Talks & workshops
Mandinka history and culture for schools, universities, museums and cultural centers, in person or online.
- Lecture-concert format
- English, French, Portuguese or Spanish
- Hands-on kora demo
Live performance
Solo kora and voice, or with percussion, for festivals, concerts, weddings and private events.
- Solo or with band
- Ceremonies and weddings
- Corporate and private events
Book Sana Cissokho
Tell us about your event and we’ll reply with availability, formats and fees.
- Festivals, concerts and cultural events
- Weddings, ceremonies and private events
- Schools, universities and museums
- Press kit with photos, bio and tech rider
Upcoming shows: follow on Songkick · follow on Bandsintown
New music first.
Release news, masterclass dates and shows near you. One email a month.
About Sana and the kora
Who is Sana Cissokho?
Sana Cissokho is a kora virtuoso and singer from Casamance, Senegal. He is a diali (griot), born in Bignona into a Mandinka family of musicians and storytellers, and he blends the classical kora tradition with contemporary sound.
What is a diali, or griot?
A diali, also called a griot, is a hereditary musician, historian and storyteller of the Mandé world. Dialis keep the history of families and peoples alive through song, and the kora is one of their most important instruments.
What is the kora?
The kora is a 21-string harp-lute from West Africa, built from a large calabash gourd covered in cowhide with a long wooden neck. It is played with the thumbs and index fingers of both hands and has a warm, flowing sound.
Where is Sana Cissokho from?
He was born in Bignona, in the Casamance region of southern Senegal, and today performs around the world, with regular concerts in Portugal and Spain.
When did Sana start playing the kora?
At four years old. He learned from his parents, Lamine Sissoko and Ndeye Diongtang Diabaté, and from his older siblings, as part of a family tradition passed from generation to generation.
Who are his musical relatives?
His sound is often compared to his uncle Ballaké Sissoko, to Toumani Diabaté, and to his cousin Sona Jobarteh.
How can I book Sana Cissokho?
Use the booking form on this website or write to info@sanacissokho.com with your date, city and type of event. He performs at festivals, concerts, cultural events, weddings, ceremonies, private and corporate events.
Does he perform solo or with a band?
Both. Solo kora and voice for intimate concerts and events, or with his band on ngoni, backing vocals, djembe and percussion for festivals and larger stages. Stage plots and tech riders are available for both formats.
Which festivals has he played?
Sana has performed at festivals such as Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and World Music Week in Portugal, as well as theaters and clubs across Portugal and Spain.
Where can I listen to his music?
On Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal and SoundCloud. His latest release is Alabaro, with an official music video on YouTube.
Does Sana teach the kora?
Yes. He offers kora masterclasses for beginners and advanced players, in person and online. Join the masterclass waitlist through the booking form to hear first about dates and launch pricing.
Does he give talks or workshops for schools and museums?
Yes. Lecture-concerts and workshops on Mandinka history and culture for schools, universities, museums and cultural centers, in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish, with a hands-on kora demonstration.
Where can I buy official merch?
In the official store at store.sanacissokho.com: tees, caps and more, made to order and shipped to your door.
Where can I see his upcoming shows?
Follow Sana Cissokho on Bandsintown and Songkick to get alerts when he plays near you, and sign up to the monthly newsletter on this page.