BALLAKE SISSOKO

(ML)

On the renowned COLORS platform, Ballaké Sissoko showcased through his intense and profound performance of "Nan Sira Madi," which opens the extraordinary album "A Touma", how his artistry holds universal appeal while perfectly conveying the soul of the Malian people through his kora.

Released in 2021, "A Touma" sees Ballaké engaging in an intimate dialogue with his instrument, a deep meditation that captivates the international press unconditionally. The Guardian newspaper described his music as "dreamy and adventurous", inviting listeners on a journey as they close their eyes and let themselves be carried away by his kora.

The instrumentals recorded in the intimate confines of Chapelle Sainte-Apolline in Belgium, represent the most profound self-portrait Ballaké could offer to the world. Together, they proclaim the heights of mastery and freedom this discreet giant of global music has achieved over his forty-year career. It's a captivating, intimate and authentic testament recorded in an afternoon, where Ballaké takes us on a winding journey filled with majesty, bordering on the sacred, touching serene meditative plateaus and plains traversed by Manding warriors, symbols of pride from his homeland.

As for the title "A Touma," it translates to "this is the moment": the moment Ballaké shares the fruits of his maturity, inviting us to discover and be swept away.

Since "A Touma", Sissoko has continued to release new material, demonstrating his ongoing exploration of new sound landscapes. His latest work in 2024, featuring collaboration with guitarist Gripper, further underscores his strong collaborative spirit.