On the stage of Jazz à Porquerolles, Ballaké Sissoko’s kora blends with the delicate folk of Piers Faccini. A subtle and captivating union, sealed by a collaborative album: Our Calling.
Ballaké Sissoko is one of the most prominent figures on the Malian music scene. A descendant of a long line of griots, he taught himself the demanding art of the kora, a fascinating instrument that lies somewhere between the lute and the harp. Over the years, his refined playing and deep sense of musical listening have led him to collaborate with musicians from both the jazz and classical worlds.
Piers Faccini, for his part, is a true European: born to an Italian father, raised in England, and now based in France. This mix of identities is reflected in his songs, which draw from folk, blues, and Mediterranean influences. He sings in English, French, and Italian dialects, crafting music that is both introspective and open to others.
With the album Our Calling, released in early 2025, Ballaké Sissoko and Piers Faccini chart a shared path between Europe and West Africa. A musical conversation full of grace.