Yacouba Sissoko is a master kora player hailing from Mali, a land deeply steeped in musical tradition. Born into a long lineage of Djelis (also known as Griots), the keepers of oral history and tradition through music and storytelling, Yacouba was destined to inherit the mantle of his ancestors. He began his journey with the kora, a 21-stringed West African harp, at a young age under the tutelage of his grandfather and other family members. His prodigious talent and dedication to the craft of his forebears spurred him forward, and he went on to study at the Institute National des Arts in Bamako, Mali.

Over the years, Yacouba Sissoko has become an acclaimed musician known for his virtuosity and deep understanding of Manding music. His talent has led to collaborations with a broad array of artists across various genres, illustrating the kora's versatility and Yacouba's adaptive creativity. Among his recent works, the albums "Duwa Wu," "Diyabarana," and "Siya" encapsulate his commitment to honoring traditional sounds while infusing them with a contemporary sensibility. These releases showcase Yacouba's intricate melodic patterns, nimble fingerwork, and a profound connection to the spiritual essence of the music he performs. As a cultural ambassador for the kora and his cultural heritage, Yacouba Sissoko continues to enchant audiences worldwide, weaving together narratives of the past with the threads of modern musical expression.