Yacouba Sissoko is a Mali kora player, best known for his collaborations with jazz and pop musicians.
While at the NIA he, like his mother and grandmother, was part of L'Ensemble Instrumental National, and performed with Kandia Kouyate and Amy Koita.
[2][3][non-primary source needed] In 1998, Sissiko relocated permanently to New York City.
However, he is better known for collaboration with western pop and jazz musicians such as Regina Carter, Paul Simon, and Damon Albarn.
[2][3][non-primary source needed][4] He is also sometimes called upon to perform the traditional role of a djeli at weddings and baptisms in New York City's West African immigrant community.