Toumani Diabate With Ballake Sissoko – New Ancient Strings / Nouvelles Cordes Anciennes

Toumani Diabaté & Ballaké Sissoko – New Ancient Strings / Nouvelles Cordes Anciennes

A deeply expressive meeting of two of Mali’s greatest kora masters, New Ancient Strings brings together Toumani Diabaté and Ballaké Sissoko in a beautifully restrained and intricately woven dialogue between strings.

Rooted in the rich traditions of West African griot music, this album reimagines centuries-old musical language through a delicate interplay of two kora harps. Rather than competing, the performances breathe together - melodic lines interlacing with patience, precision, and profound musical empathy.

Each piece unfolds like a conversation, shifting between rhythmic propulsion and reflective calm. Tracks such as Bi Lambam and Kita Kaira showcase cascading patterns of melody that feel both timeless and alive, while Kora Bali and Yamfa highlight the duo’s ability to build intricate emotional landscapes from subtle repetition and variation.

Spanning generations of oral tradition, New Ancient Strings feels both historic and immediate - a quiet, spellbinding celebration of West African musical heritage and the artistry of two musicians at the height of their expressive powers.

Tracklist:

1. Bi Lambam – 4:59
2. Salama – 6:14
3. Kita Kaira – 9:04
4. Bafoulabe – 6:27
5. Cheikhna Demba – 4:31
6. Kora Bali – 9:06
7. Kadiatou – 7:50
8. Yamfa – 5:14