Yacouba Sissoko was born in Kita, Mali, to a well-known djely (musical storyteller) family. Having played the kora since a very young age, Sissoko was a touring musician by age 15, sharing the stories that had been passed down through his family for centuries. Sissoko attended Mali’s National Institute of the Arts in Bamako, where he caught the attention of the music world and began touring with noted artists and ensembles, including l’Ensemble Instrumental National du Mali, the orchestra that both his mother and grandmother had sung with.

After performing throughout the world as a soloist and with various ensembles and bands, Sissoko moved to New York City in 1998, where he remains in high demand as a soloist, guest artist and collaborator. A founding member of many of his own musical groups, he continues to work with renowned artists of many genres and origins, including Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon, Leroy Jenkins and Leni Stern. His band SIYA’s debut album will be released later this year.

We are so excited to host Yabouca Sissoko, as well as his talented accompanists. Click below for video of some of his performances.

For more information on the Gala, click here