Originally hailing from Senegal, Zal Sissokho was born in 1971 in the nation’s capital Dakar. He later moved to Montreal in 1999, before forming his musical project “Buntalo” in 2004, which he remains the lead figure of. He has since released the first album under the Buntalo group titled La grande route in 2008, and followed up with two additional group projects, Le Partage (2012) and Le Palabre (2017). Along with his releases under the group name, Zal has released two solo projects Kor Flamenca (2020) and La Source (2023) as well as a group project with Sérgio Pererê and Marcus Viana titled Famalé (2015).

Sissokho’s sound is very unique in the context of Canadian music as he prioritizes the use of very traditional West African instrumentation and style in his music as well as primarily singing in a fusion of the West African languages of Mandinka and Wollof, and also in French and English. Stylistically, his music blends West African griot storytelling with jazz, Latin, and Québécois influences. Sissoko comes from a long line of griots himself and his ability to blend this tradition with his current reality as an immigrant living in Montreal is considerably impressive.

One of the key reoccurrences throughout Sissokho’s discography is his use of the Kora, a 21-string West African harp-lute. This unique sound has carried Sissokho around the world, having performed across Canada and beyond taking his talents to Brazil, Mexico, Mozambique, France and back in his home country of Senegal. His global presence does not stop at touring either as he has collaborated with international artists from the likes of Brazil, Senegal, Mali, Guinea and South Africa.

During performances, Sissokho often takes the time to explain the meaning behind his records between songs, ensuring listeners can appreciate the full nuance and introspection of his music, adding more value to their experience. His music is incredibly layered and expressive, and his ability to fuse his cultural tradition is a remarkable display of what preserving cultural identity in new lands can look like.