The Malian guitar virtuoso, Mama Sissoko, was introduced to music by his uncle Djeli Baba Sissoko. His music history count legendary bands like Orchestra A de Bamako, Orchestre National de Bamako and Super Biton de Ségou as lead singer and guitarist. Awarded the Ebony Guitar Prize in 1970 in Mali, and Mérite National in France in 2023, Sissoko has long been one of the internationally sought for guitarists, and his collaborations count Santana, Herbie Hancock as well as opening BB King’s shows. Coming from the Manding culture, Mama’s compositions are largely influenced by blues and jazz, mixed with the traditional rhythms of Bobo, Bambara, Sarakolé, Peul, Songhaï and Mandingue. The 13 track album Diamond Fingers, is produced by his long time proteger, the French photographer Françoise Huguier. Sissoko uses irony in texts critical to the absurdities faced by immigrants in the post-colonial realities.
01. Commissariat
02. Nkana
03. Douga
04. Silami Djama
05. Massane Cisse
06. Gniasso
07. Sembelou
08. Diamond Fingers
09. Mari
10. Batou Mande
11. Narena
12. Hommage au Bitton
13. Diabari