On Wednesday, September 24 at 9 p.m., don't miss a unique musical encounter: for the first time in Montreal, Haitian singer-songwriter Jean Jean Roosevelt invites Malian kora virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko for a one-time concert at Balattou.
An exceptional evening where the rhythms of Haiti meet the deep sounds of West Africa in a poetic and vibrant dialogue.
---
Ballaké Sissoko is a master of the kora, born in 1968 in Bamako, Mali, into a family of griots. Heir to the Mandinka tradition, he learned the instrument as a child from his father, Djelimady Sissoko. He began his career with the National Instrumental Ensemble of Mali at the age of just 13. Ballaké stands out for his sensitive and meditative style, rooted in tradition but resolutely open. He has collaborated with numerous international artists, including Vincent Segal, Piers Faccini, Salif Keita, and Camille. His duo with Segal (Chamber Music, 2009) marked a turning point in the dialogue between African and classical music. A prolific artist, he also explores musical fusions with the trio 3MA and in Djourou (2021). In 2024, he released a duo album with South African guitarist Derek Gripper. His next album, Our Calling, with Piers Faccini, is scheduled for early 2025. Ballaké Sissoko is now one of the world's leading ambassadors of the kora.
--
As a pop-folk artist, Jean Jean Roosevelt radiates such kindness, honesty and warmth that you can’t help but love him. Advocating peace, tolerance and unity, this composer, guitarist and percussionist, who won Gold at the 2013 Jeux de la Francophonie and is currently an UNICEF ambassador, signs catchy tunes that are both sincere and upbeat, committed and imbued with humanity. His sensitive, inclusive songs are enhanced by a wide array of rhythms that stem from Haitian Vodou traditions associated with the Nago, Yavanlou, Kongo, Ibo, Rabòday and Djouba, along with a blend of lively melodies inspired by R&B, reggae and afrobeat.. His eighth album, Libres ensemble (Disques Nuits d’Afrique), produced by Sonny Black, was released at the beginning of 2024.
- Refunds
- No refunds
