The Pulse of the Djeli
Momi Maiga stands out as a virtuoso of his instrument (the kora), a skilled vocalist, and a self-taught composer with remarkable musical sensitivity. In his compositions, he blends ethnic jazz, flamenco, and sparks of European classical music. He mainly sings in Mandinka and Wolof, addressing important contemporary themes through music.
Raised in the Casamance region in southern Senegal, amidst the rich musical heritage of West Africa, Momi Maiga comes from the renowned Cissokho family of musicians and was nurtured in their rich musical traditions. His artistic legacy, following the ancestral heritage of the griots, deeply connects him with the traditions of the Mandé people and their repertoire. At the age of six, he began playing the kora, one of the most revered instruments in the region.
Two decades later, now established in Girona, Maiga has excelled as a singer, versatile instrumentalist, band leader, courageous and talented composer, making a name of himself in Spain, Belgium, and France. In late 2022, Momi released his debut album, “Nio,” with which he has performed over 70 concerts with his quartet, including 30 cities across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland. His second album, “Kairo,” the title of which means “peace” in Mandinka, his native language.
Momi continues to collaborate with his talented team of musicians, including Catalan percussionist Aleix Tobias, cellist Marçal Ayats, and Mexican violinist Carlos Montfort. These musicians have shared the stage with numerous renowned artists such as Marco Mezquida and Silvia Pérez Cruz, with whom the artist has also collaborated.
