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Support Diali’s First Solo Instrumental Kora Album, “Teranga”
For generations, the Cissokho family has carried the role of the griot — guardians of music, oral history, and storytelling in West Africa. As a kora player, Diali Cissokho embraces this lineage with heart and creativity. Although he has recorded several albums with ensembles, this will be his first-ever solo, instrumental kora CD, offering an intimate portrait of his artistry and the kora’s expressive voice.
This project began taking shape during the isolation of the 2020 Covid Pandemic, when Diali was unable to make his annual trip to visit his homeland of Senegal. Cut off from family and community, he found himself turning inward.
Music poured out of him — melodies of longing, reflection, and resilience — and he promised himself he would record them when the time was right.
That time is now.
So in the summer of 2025, he sat down with Jonathan Henderson and recorded 8 tracks. They were later edited and mixed by Jonathan Henderson and mastered by Jason Richmond.
What are the Songs About?
The album is called “Teranga”, which means hospitality in Wolof. The Senegalese are famous for their hospitality!
- Metti Metti is about how to carry on when times are hard.
- Saya is about the profound grief of Diali's family losing his mother.
- Yeyengo is a traditional celebration song, played in a very rhythmic style called Mbalax, which Diali got from his father.
- Amadou Bamba is an homage to the famous Sufi spiritual figure Amadou Bamba.
- Nanga Gore is a reminder to practice gratitude and appreciation in all the things we do that might go unnoticed.
- Blessing For My Child is about my first son, Ablaye and how he changed my life forever.
- Naamusoo is a song about a part of Mandinka culture that Diali sees fading away, and he hopes to keep it alive with this song.
Here is a sample of “Blessing For My Child”
Why This Album Matters
While rooted in griot tradition, this album is first and foremost a deeply personal artistic statement. This professionally-produced solo recording will:
- Support an artist whose music bridges continents and communities
- Give Diali the space to express his own voice, stories, and inner world
- Share the beauty and emotional depth of solo instrumental kora music with listeners everywhere
Budget Breakdown
Your contribution directly helps bring Diali’s creative vision to life. All contributions received will go towards:
Studio time & Engineering: COMPLETED!
Mastering by Jason Richmond: $750
Album artwork & design: $1,000
CD manufacturing & digital distribution: $1,000
Marketing, Promotion & Release expenses: $2,250
Total Goal: $5,000
What Friends and Collaborators Say About Diali
“Diali carries centuries of history in his hands. When he plays the kora, you feel the presence of his ancestors.”
— Atiba Rorie
“He is one of the most devoted cultural stewards I’ve ever known. This album will be a gift to the world.”
— Will Ridenour
“Supporting Diali means supporting the preservation of a living tradition that deserves to be heard.”
— Cindy Jones
Join Us in Supporting Diali
By contributing to this project, you are helping an extraordinary artist share his vision, his voice, and his music with the world.
Thank you for supporting Diali and helping bring this beautiful album to life.
Organizer and beneficiary
Diali Keba Cissokho
Beneficiary