Since the country of Mali has suffered a ban on music by Islamist militants, artists from around the world have come together to campaign towards promoting the culture and music of Mali. Musicians such as Toumani Diabaté, Fatoumata Diawara, Amadou & Mariam, Bassekou Kouyate and Rokia Traoré are a few of the most outspoken advocates of Malian musical and cultural freedom. Kanaga System Krush (K.S.K.) Records also plays its role in preserving Malian music. Their latest album, Keme Borama out February 4th, highlights one of the golden voices of Griot singing - Tiécoro Sissoko. (first name pronounced ch-ee-ko-row)
Tiécoro is an exceptional solo artist and an intricate guitar player with a true Djeli soulful voice. He performed every week with the multi GRAMMY award winning kora player Toumani Diabaté at the famous Bamako club 'The Diplomat'. Throughout his career, Tiécoro toured West Africa and France and played weddings, ceremonies and concerts in Bamako up until the last days of his life. This album is Tiécoro's only recording to be published and it's a testament of his role as a Griot and a protector of his lineage. Despite the attempt to ban music, Griots and other Malian musicians continue to produce some of the world's greatest music and Tiécoro's final recording is a shinning example of storytelling through music. K.S.K. label founder and producer Aja Salvatore says, "We first met Tiécoro at the now defunct Hogon club in Tomikorrobougou. We were rehearsing a project when Tiécoro showed up and asked if we could listen to his demo tapes. We were immediately struck by his classic Kayes' Djeli singing and phenomenal solo guitar style. Tiécoro shines in his "Djeliya" with the skilled Djeli N'goni of Adama Tounkara musically conversing with Camara's melodic Kora. In stark comparison to "Afro Pop" this album is a testament to the raw musicality of the Djelis from the Kayes Region of Mali."Videos