ateliers
d'ethnomusicologie

Kora mandingue

Sankoum Cissokho

Africa | Instruments & repertories

The traditional kora is a musical instrument that belongs to the family of African harps. Originating from the Mandingue Empire, its earliest traces date back to the late 15th century in the Sahel region of Africa.

The kora’s structure includes a resonator made from half a gourd covered with a stretched cowhide. Traditionally, the 21 strings, made from animal gut, are attached to the instrument’s neck using leather rings. These strings are stretched on either side of a wooden bridge that sits upright on the skin covering the gourd.

To play the kora, the musician uses two wooden handles attached to either side of the instrument. By gripping these handles with three fingers of each hand, the musician leaves their thumbs and index fingers free to pluck the strings, producing the kora’s distinctive sound.

Bio

Sankoum Cissokho was born in Dakar, Senegal, into a renowned family of griots, the traditional custodians of music and oral storytelling in West Africa. As the grandson of the legendary kora player Soundioulou Cissokho, he was introduced to this emblematic instrument at a young age by his father, Bacary Cissokho. From his childhood, Sankoum has been immersed in a rich musical tradition that he continues to preserve and enrich over the years.

With exceptional mastery of the kora, Sankoum combines technique, sensitivity, and creativity. His repertoire bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, blending ancient melodies with contemporary compositions. His playing is distinguished by deep expressiveness, combining finesse and virtuosity.

Having lived in Switzerland for several years, Sankoum is an active participant in the local music scene, collaborating with various artists and performing regularly. He has also toured across Europe and Asia, sharing his music with international audiences.

Throughout his career, Sankoum Cissokho has shared the stage with iconic figures such as Salif Keita, Femi Kuti, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Orchestra Baobab, Xalam II, and the Geneva Camerata, showcasing his talent and artistic versatility.

LOCATION:

Ethnomusicology Workshops - 10 Rue de Montbrillant - 1201 Geneva or at your home

SCHEDULE:

Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. or by arrangement

RATES:

Private lessons

1 lesson: 60 min. 110 CHF / 90 min. 140 CHF

10-lesson package (60 min.): 950 CHF / (90 min.): 1,260 CHF

Group lessons (3 or more people)

1 lesson: 60 min. 75 CHF / 90 min. 95 CHF

10-lesson package (60 min.): 635 CHF / (90 min.): 835 CHF

Children: duration and price to be discussed

Option to pay for the package in 2 installments

Option to purchase a kora

CONTACT:

Phone: 078 967 75 49 (or 078 675 41 10 if there is no answer)

Email: kayroba@bluewin.ch

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