ABOUT US
Welcome to our world!
We are Sousou & Maher Cissoko—a duo connected by music, love, and a shared journey between Sweden and Senegal. Together, we’ve traveled to over 30 countries, guided by the healing and uplifting power of music.
Sousou’s journey began in Skåne, Sweden, and led her through West Africa, where she learned the kora from masters in Gambia, Mali, and Senegal. It was in Senegal, through Maher’s brother, Solo Cissokho, that our paths crossed, and our lives became forever intertwined. Maher, a griot and kora player by birth, carries the timeless voice of the griot tradition across borders, and together, we invite the world to listen, reflect, and connect.
Our story and music are deeply rooted in the traditions of Senegal, and we stay closely connected to its rich heritage through our Jaliya Camp—a place where we come together to share knowledge and keep this vibrant culture alive.
We create music that grooves with the spirit of the kora, soulful vocals, and rhythms inspired by reggae, mbalax, folk, soul, and afrobeat. Singing in five languages, we celebrate unity and bridge cultures and stories in each song, calling us all back to the essence of togetherness.
Every concert is more than just a performance—it’s our mission to gather hearts and create a joyful space filled with grooves, laughter, and the shared stories of humanity.
We welcome you on this journey of music and heart, a place that we hope feels like home for everyone who listens. Thank you for joining us!
"connect countries and people with their songs.”
(Folker.World)
“Talking about “joy of playing” can easily become a cliché, but here is the answer. The duo shines together as if in the highest happiness, a visual boost to what we hear. The peculiar sound is a unique experience. I feel both exhausted and energized at the same time. Wow!”
AS SEEN IN
“This was better than a week’s vacation”
“Charismatic duo offered fantastic stage presence.”
Join us in senegal
cultural retreats with kora, singing, drumming, dancing and yoga.
Get a glimpse behind the scenes of our creative process
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LATEST RELEASE (2024)
Single cover and photo by: Cecilia Höglund
About the song
The title "Calculer," meaning "to calculate" or "to think carefully," underscores the central message: consider your words before you speak, as they can have lasting impacts. The lyrics convey the journey of a traveler, contrasted with those who sit idly, complaining and doing nothing. Through the repetition of lines like "Tamala bala, tamo la" (The traveler is traveling) and "Silla be, balang ding" (the one who is sitting just watching and being lazy), the song encourages action and mindfulness over idle talk. With its rhythmic pulse and reflective lyrics, "Calculer" is both a call to mindfulness and a celebration of purposeful action. The music captures the essence of West African traditions while delivering a universal message about the power of words and the importance of intentionality in both speech and action.
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