Baba Sissoko

Malian Master of Traditional Music and Instruments

Malian musician (Tamani, Ngoni, Kamalengoni, Bala, and Calabass instruments), and Vocalist. (born 8 March 1963 in Bamako, Mali) Baba Sissoko is a master of the talking drums (the tamani). He is also a jeli by birth. From childhood, he played tamani, often accompanying the traditional female griot during wedding and other traditional ceremonies. In 1985, he toured internationally with the prestigious Instrumental Ensemble of Mali orchestra, playing the tamani and ngoni. In 1991, he founded his trio, Baba Sissoko & Taman Kan, and began extensively collaborating with top Malian artists and international musicians. His work with Habib Koité is notable as their collaboration lasted 12 years and was widely celebrated. In 1995, Baba Sissoko released his first album with Tama-Kan. Baba Sissoko's Taman Kan bandmates are Roger Sabal Lecco (who has played bass with Manu Dibango, Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, Francis Bebey, Lucio Dalla, and Louisiana Red), and Reynaldo Hernandez (who has played percussion with the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional of Cuba and the Gipsy Kings). The trio celebrates their own cultures (Manding, Bambara people, Sonrai, Yoruba, and Kongo), and incorporates blues, jazz and rock elements as well. To date, Baba Sissoko has recorded and released more than five albums. He also has taught traditional drum in Brussels, Belgium, and led conferences for the University of Calibre's Art, Music, and Spectacle Centre in Italy.