BIO

Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko (Kora, Vocals)

A virtuoso kora player, singer and modern griot, Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko carries forward the legacy of his uncle, the legendary “King of the Kora,” Soundioulou Cissokho. Renowned for his inventive style, Cissoko seamlessly blends Mandingo traditions with Senegalese and Western influences, creating thrilling music that is both timeless and innovative. He has collaborated with global luminaries such as Youssou N’Dour, Angelique Kidjo, Omar Sosa, Tony Allen, and Piers Faccini, expanding the reach of the kora – enchanting sound. As a cultural ambassador, Cissoko’s music preserves the rich oral traditions of the Mandingo people while pushing the boundaries of contemporary world music.

Volker Goetze (Flugelhorn, Trumpet)
An award-winning trumpeter, composer, and filmmaker, Volker Goetze is celebrated for his ability to fuse jazz with global musical traditions, creating transcendent works that promote cultural connectivity. His collaborations with Senegalese kora master Ablaye Cissoko—including the acclaimed album Sira and the documentary Griot—have been hailed as masterclasses in cross-cultural dialogue. Their album Amanke Dionti was named “Best World Music Album of 2012” by NPR’s The World and has garnered over 35 million streams worldwide. Goetze’s latest project, Little Big Top (Motema, 2024), is a collaborative journey with legendary accordionist, Guy Klucevsek, through musical landscapes where echoes of the ballroom, barroom, bordello, circus, and concert hall intermingle with jazz and folk from around the world. His prior release FlamenKora (2023), bridges West African kora, Spanish flamenco, and American jazz, earning international acclaim and sold-out performances in Europe. A multimedia artist, Goetze’s film “The Griot” and innovative his innovative Sonic Gates project in Staten Island, New York —the city’s first Sound Sculpture Walk—are examples of his commitment to integrating music, art, and community. For more info, visit volkergoetze.com.