From Nordic roots to West African rhythms: weaving sound, story & spirit
Sousou Cissoko is an award-winning Swedish singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and one of the world’s few female kora players.
Rooted in Nordic traditions and shaped by years of study in West Africa, she creates music that moves between soul and tradition, rhythm and reflection.
Her work spans stages, studios, retreat spaces, and beyond, always with the intention to inspire, uplift and invite presence and connection.
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Singer & Multi-instrumentalist
Growing up in a home filled with instruments, Sousou developed a deep love for music early on. Her voice is her primary instrument, but her curiosity and joy in learning have led her to master the kora, guitar, piano, recorders and flutes – and explore many others along the way.
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Songwriter & Composer
Rooted in classical traditions and inspired by soul and global folk music, Sousou weaves stories, experiences, and melodies into original compositions. Her music blends Nordic and West African influences into something vibrant and new. Her journey as a composer has just begun and you are welcome to come along.
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Yoga Teacher, Mentor, Lecturer & Workshop Facilitator
With a warm and grounded presence, Sousou offers inspiring talks, transformative retreats and hands-on workshops that blend music, movement and inner work. She is available as a guest teacher, workshop leader or speaker for events, festivals, retreats and educational programs, both in Sweden and internationally.
PERFORMED AT
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (US) • Polar Music Prize (SE) • Vancouver Folk Festival (CA) • Festival d’été de Québec (CA) • Nuits d’Afrique (CA) • Gwanju World Music Festival (KR) • Bali Spirit Festival (ID) • Sauti Za Busara Festival (TZ) • Agape Zoe Festival (GR) • Ecstatic Dance Festival (CY) • Nordischer Klang (DE) • Stimmen Festival (CH) • Womex (DK) • Førdefestivalen (NO) Urkult (SE) — to name a few
FEATURED ON
BBC Radio 3 – Music Planet (UK) • Songlines (UK) • fRoots (UK) • Voice of Africa – Voice of America (US) • Afropop Worldwide (US) • The World (US) • CTV News (CA) • CBC News (CA) • TFM (SN) • Sveriges Radio P1/P2/P3 (SE) • SVT (SE) • TV4 (SE) • Lira (SE) • Amelia (SE) • Aftonbladet (SE) — to name a few
What People Are Saying
"Sousou Cissoko is a critic- and audience-acclaimed composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist. Her love for music from all corners of the world has taken her on a journey around the globe that has only just begun”
— Stockholm City Cultural Grant, Jury’s Motivation
“West African and Swede combine two immaculately accurate koras and voices – result is transparent and atmospheric, the melody lines simple, the general feel full and uplifting. Sounds unlikely, but imagine a Nordic African Enya.”
— fRoots Magazine, album review
"For blending Swedish and West African music with such beauty and precision, thereby creating something entirely new and unique that Sweden can be proud of."
"Musical pathfinders with the whole world as their stage."
— Motivation from Sweden’s Folk & World Music Awards
Concerts • Workshops • Lectures • Collaborations