“Behind the instruments, there are above all human beings and when they have a story to tell,” Ablaye Cissoko told Mshale via a translated interview recently, “everything becomes easier—creation and connection come more naturally. Everything starts from there.”
Ablaye Cissoko, now living in Saint Louis in Senegal, son of a griot and a griot himself, embodies both the Mandinka traditions and contemporary music in his own created musical form playing the kora.
May 1st he’ll join French accordionist Cyrille Brotto in the sanctuary of St. Olaf Catholic Church as part of the church’s music series program. Their unique blend of a European instrument and another from West Africa has been happening since 2021. Cissoko said, “collaboration between musicians can work very well, even though some instruments may seem difficult to combine at first.”
The story behind this pair’s collaboration involves a bit of chance and a bit of carpe diem. “Cyrille invited me to his home through my manager for a private concert, as his wife is a big fan of my music,” explained Cissoko. “He jokingly said he wanted to score points with his beloved. I accepted, because that is part of the role of a griot.
That’s when I discovered that he was an accordion player. I suggested we play a few pieces together, to which he agreed. I then discovered a true master of this instrument, for whom I have great respect today,” said Cissoko.
In the end, the kora and the accordion were meant to meet. The kora is played with plucked and articulated strings, while the accordion brings layers and breathing through its bellows. “The two instruments complement each other perfectly,” said Cissoko, “and beyond that, the accordion enhances the sense of melancholy that I sometimes express in my songs.”
For griots, the kora’s function supersedes that of an instrument—it is a sacred vessel of history, identity, and storytelling. The kora’s expansive power allows the griot to evoke deep emotions, preserve history, and bring healing through music.
Cissoko described how the allure of the kora mesmerizes musician and non-musician alike. “Some are drawn to the instrument itself, others to the philosophy behind it,” he said. “There is a legend that says the kora was brought to Earth to heal people’s souls. There is a deeply soothing effect both in listening to it and in playing it.”
Friday, May 1st will be Cissoko’s first time performing in Minneapolis. “We are really looking forward to it. So far, we have mainly played on the East and West coasts,” he said.
Cissoko said he hopes the audience will discover a unique meeting between two musical worlds and two instruments. “Above all, we hope to offer them a beautiful concert and that they will leave feeling happy and at peace.”
Tickets for the 7 p.m. show available here.
St. Olaf Catholic Church is located in Minneapolis at 215 S. 8th Street.
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About Susan Budig
Susan is based in Minneapolis and reports on general assignments for Mshale with a focus on entertainment. In addition to reporting, she is also a writer, poet, teacher and coach.
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