I was told that the Cissoko Brothers concerts were quite an experience and that it was a MUST to see them live! Well, I did and I was not disappointed. Even though some kora concerts can be gentle and calm, this was not at all the case with this brotherhood from Senegal. Indeed, for the occasion, the Cissoko Brothers were equipped with two koras, played by Noumoucounda and Sadio, while Fa was on percussion. With them, there was Raphaël Ojo on drums, Dauphin Mbuyi on bass and David Mobio on keyboards.
The band performed in front of a nearly full Balattou, much to the delight of music lovers who seemed to be regulars with the trio. Starting with two energetic pieces, including Mama Africa, they continued with a calmer piece, much to the delight of those who appreciate the softly played kora.
“You can dance, we’re family here!” Sadio reminded us between songs. This didn’t fall on deaf ears as several dancers took to the dance floor, including Ginola, a Guinean artist, and two professional dancers who performed acrobatics during the show.
We also enjoyed the singing talents of Noumoucounda, the one everyone is fighting over, and who notably features in the most recent music video by Senegalese rapper Nix. His powerful voice filled the Balattou, making it vibrate as he improvised in the form of dialogue with his brother Sadio.
I noticed several African artists in the room, including Dicko Fils from Burkina Faso and Carine au Micro from Togo. Some of Fa’s work colleagues had also come to cheer him on, dancing on the dance floor during the show.
My favorite moment of the evening was, of course, when saxophonist Alain Oyono, who has been in our city for a few weeks, took the stage at the invitation of the Cissoko Brothers. “I know them all very well,” he confessed to me before going up with his instrument. The mix between the saxophone and the kora is simply magical. These two instruments complement each other perfectly, and Alain was able to add his unique touch to the show. Unfortunately, this magic only lasted for one song, but it will encourage us to follow this artist who is increasingly making a name for himself on the Montreal art scene. A very wise choice on the part of the Cissoko Brothers.
Photo Credit: Les Production DO-LA
