Artists

Rooted deeply in the West African griot tradition, Sousou & Maher Cissoko are a celebrated duo whose music beautifully blends the hypnotic kora, intricate guitar work, soulful vocals, and powerful rhythms inspired by their Senegalese and Swedish heritage. In 2026, they celebrate two decades as a duo — a milestone marked by a brand-new album and the start of an exciting new chapter.

With nearly 20 years of international touring under their belts, Sousou & Maher are renowned for their magnetic stage presence, groovy rhythms, and heartfelt songwriting. Their performances have graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Sauti Za Busara (Zanzibar), Kennedy Center (USA), Festival d’été de Québec, Nuits D’Afrique, Vancouver Folk Festival, Paris Jazz Festival, Womex (Copenhagen), Gwangju World Music Festival (South Korea), Shanghai World Music Festival, and many more across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

But beyond the music, Sousou & Maher are bridge-builders and storytellers, carrying ancient griot wisdom into a vibrant global context. At the heart of their sound is the kora, weaving ancient traditions with original songs sung in Mandinka, Wolof, Swedish, English, and French.

Their music is not about fame or competition — it’s a calling and a mission. Every performance is an intimate offering: fully live, emotionally resonant, and deeply purposeful. Their lyrics explore themes of identity, justice, migration, healing, and joy, creating a presence that moves both heart and feet.

Sousou & Maher offer a rare balance: feminine and masculine energies, tradition and innovation, intimacy and celebration. Their music opens spaces for connection, transformation, and hope — a testament to the enduring power of the griot legacy in the modern world.