Seldom has an artist created such a powerful impression as Senegalese griot Ablaye Cissoko in his previous Muziekpublique appearances. Singing solo to the accompaniment of his kora (West African harp), his beautiful voice and tremendous aura drew us completely into the world of stories of Le Griot Rouge, Kimintang Cissoko. We have something truly special in mind for this Muziekpublique 10-year-anniversary concert: a completely different facet of Ablaye Cissoko – his collaboration with jazz musician Volker Goetze. In this German jazz trumpeter who lives in New York, Ablaye has found a kindred spirit, whose refined sound blends in perfect harmony with his kora playing. The chemistry of their joint performance at the Jazz Festival of Saint-Louis in Senegal, where they performed at the invitation of Youssou Ndour, led to the Sira project and the production of an eponymous album, which met overwhelmingly with rave reviews. We are particularly proud to host Cissoko and Goetze as they officially bring out their follow-up CD, the brand new Amanke Dionti.

“5 stars! Their serene dialogue, inspired by tradition and inventing a new vocabulary at the same time, is both thrilling and soothing.” Mondomix France

“The music on this album is a revelation.” Songlines (UK)

“What’s unusual is not so much the combination of instruments, but the way in which these two musicians of clearly different backgrounds have created quite a distinct sound. The album is a wonderful collaboration of cultures and language. " BBC “World on 3”

"Cross-cultural fusion at its most sublime; Cissoko’s keening vocals and cascading kora underpin much of the album, with Goetze weaving delicate yet sturdy lines (on trumpet) when inspiration strikes and Cissoko responding in kind...Delightful, mysterious, and indeed, ground breaking." Jazzwise UK