From the Casamance region of Senegal, Sana Cissokho was born into a Mandinka traditional family of jalis or griots, where he learned to play kora with his parents Lamine Cissokho and Ndeye Diongtang Diabaté. He grew up with the Mandé people and received in-depth training in these rich cultural traditions.

Sana’s lineage carries a formidable reputation of renowned kora masters. His uncles are legendaries: Toumani Diabaté & Ballaké Sissoko and his cousin is the first internationally acclaimed female kora virtuoso from West Africa: Sona Jobarteh.

Sana follows their footsteps in keeping this rich cultural heritage alive and sharing his soulful kora sounds with audiences across the world.