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.
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
Book Sana Cissokho
Tell us about your event and we’ll reply with availability and formats.
- Festivals, concerts and cultural events
- Schools, universities and museums
- Press kit with photos, bio and tech rider
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About The Diali 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 has performed internationally, including 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 and cultural 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: just ask through the booking form.
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 concerts in Portugal and Spain.
Where can I listen to his music?
On Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal and SoundCloud (all links here). His latest release is Alabaro, with an official music video you can watch here.
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. Request a talk.
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 newsletter on this page.