FolkTales set to Music from Around the Globe

West Africa - Why Sun and Moon Are Up in the Sky with Yacouba Sissoko and Bill Gordh

World Music Institute Season 1 Episode 11

Send us a text

For this FolkTale episode, Bill plays banjo and is joined by Malian kora master, singer, and fellow storyteller Yacouba Sissoko. Yacouba was born to a well-known Djeli family in Kita, Mali. For centuries, Djelis have been the musical storytellers and keepers of the history and fables of their culture. The kora, a 21-stringed plucked instrument with a gourd resonator, is the traditional instrument accompanying their songs. 

Long ago when Sun and Moon lived on the earth, they played with their friend Water every day. When they invite Water to their house, Water sadly tells them it is impossible to visit because their home is too small. So Sun and Moon plan a surprise for Water that ends up surprising them!

More about Yacouba Sissoko

Sound courtesy of Cliff Hahn Sound

Support the show

Keep in touch with us! Join our newsletter

People on this episode