Motema Music. Artists of power and distinction since 2003.

New Single: MIRROR UNDER WATER Out Now!

June 19, 2025

Following her internationally acclaimed and multi-award-winning 2023 debut, Rising Sun, pianist Shuteen Erdenebaatar returns with UNDER THE SMAE STARS—an exquisite duo album with the rising ACT Music artist Nils Kugelmann on contra-alto clarinet and upright bass. Meditative, romantic, and daring, this duo paints poetic miniatures with strokes of jazz, classical, and cinematic music.

Preorder the album (coming Sept. 12th) and stream the first single today: UNDER THE SAME STARS

SARGAL – Out Now!

June 13, 2025

By Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko & Volker Goetze
Featuring Mino Cinélu

Motéma Music is proud to present SARGAL, a stunning new album by Senegalese kora master Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko and German-born trumpeter Volker Goetze, featuring the legendary Mino Cinélu on percussion.

Recorded in Paris, SARGAL (which means “gratitude” in Wolof) offers a profoundly moving exploration of resilience, cultural harmony, and musical dialogue. With intricate kora melodies, soulful trumpet phrasing, and dynamic rhythmic textures, the album bridges traditional Mandinka music and contemporary jazz in breathtaking ways.

SARGAL is also the origin story of the acclaimed Flamenkora project—documenting the first collaboration between Goetze and Cissoko before they expanded into a trio. Fans of Flamenkora will find in SARGAL both familiar beauty and fresh depth.

Listen & Buy Now
Available on all major platforms: https://Sargal.lnk.to/buystreamWE

New Single BÉTIYATA Out Now!

May 9, 2025

“Bétiyata” — the second single from Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko and Volker Goetze’s soulful new trumpet & kora album SARGAL — is now available everywhere!

Listen now: 👉 https://Sargal.lnk.to/single2WE

Rooted in tradition yet reaching across borders, “Bétiyata” carries a powerful message of resilience and reverence — with a deeply emotional groove that connects past and present.

✨ Featuring the legendary @Mino Cinelu on percussion.

Full album SARGAL drops June 6 here on Motéma!

New Single ROKHAYA Out Now!

April 11, 2025

SARGAL begins here! 1st Single: “Rokaya” is out now—an uplifting tribute to family and tradition, where Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko’s mesmerizing kora melodies meet Volker Goetze’s soulful trumpet, with special guest Mino Cinelu (Miles Davis, Weather Report) adding his signature rhythmic brilliance. This track sets the tone for the journey ahead, blending deep heritage with modern jazz artistry.

Stream “Rokaya” now & pre-order SARGAL, out June 6th! https://sargal.lnk.to/preorder

Out Now! LITTLE BIG TOP

November 8, 2024

More than just an album, Little Big Top is a collaborative journey through musical landscapes where echoes of the ballroom, barroom, bordello, circus, and concert hall intermingle with jazz and folk from around the world. Co-produced by trumpeter and longtime admirer Volker Goetze, the project highlights the enduring impact of Guy Klucevsek’s artistry on Goetze’s own approach, which blends styles, genres, and cultures. Goetze’s sensitive tone and refined production skills add a new depth to the album, infusing each track with distinct emotional resonance. Enhanced by the dynamic contributions of Jeff Hudgins (alto and baritone saxophone) and Doug Wieselman (clarinet and bass clarinet), Little Big Top offers a diverse, yet seamlessly unified, musical experience.

BUY/STREAM THE ALBUM: LITTLE BIG TOP

2ND SINGLE FROM “LITTLE BIG TOP” OUT NOW!

October 28, 2024

The 2nd single from LITTLE BIG TOP is now available—listen to “The Sun, The Moon, and The Truth” here: https://bit.ly/3TG7l9H

This captivating new jazz quartet is led by legendary accordionist/composer Guy Klucevsek and visionary trumpeter/producer Volker Goetze. Expect accordion-driven melodies where echoes of the ballroom, barroom, bordello, circus, and concert hall intermingle with jazz and folk from around the world.

PRE-ORDER TODAY – FULL ALBUM COMES NOVEMBER 8TH