Motema Music. Artists of power and distinction since 2003.

New Single: WHAT WILL REMAIN Out Now!

August 15, 2025

The third single, What Will Remain, is a poignant and soulful ode to Mongolia, featuring special guest Dalaijargal Daansuren on the morin khuur—Mongolia’s iconic horsehead fiddle and composed by Nils Kugelmann. Anchored by a tender melody and the haunting timbre of this traditional instrument, the track captures a sense of longing, memory, and cultural pride. A deeply personal highlight from Shueteen Erdenebaatar’s sophomore album.

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

New Single: TINY WONDERS Out Now!

The second single, Tiny Wonders, is a joyful chamber-jazz gem that highlights the duo’s luminous chemistry. With Erdenebaatar on piano and Kugelmann on upright bass, the piece celebrates life’s simple joys—morning coffee, quiet moments, playful memories—through sparkling melodies and tender interplay. A radiant preview of the full album to come on September 12, 2025.

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

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