Ballaké Sissoko (ML) and Piers Faccini (IT/UK)

The Malian kora maestro Ballaké Sissoko and Italian-British singer and composer Piers Faccini met in the early 2000s. Their musical friendship has developed over the past 20 years through a series of collaborations and culminated in the spring of 2025 in the duo album Our Calling.

The captivating dialogue between Sissoko's virtuoso kora and Faccini's delicate folk makes Our Calling a sublime project. Together, they build new bridges between traditions and bring a true ode to migration in all its forms, both sonically and narratively. Nothing better than two friends coming together to make music and embrace the world around them.

Support: Lubiana

"There is no World Music. Only Music for the World" - Lubiana

Belgian-Cameroonian Lubiana is a highly talented artist who blends soul, jazz and West African music. She captivates audiences with her impressive voice and exceptionally elegant mastery of the kora. Her music is both intimate and universal, taking listeners on a gentle, emotional journey.

Lubiana began her musical career at the age of eight, studying piano, guitar, saxophone and performing arts. At 17, she studied vocal jazz at the Lemmens Institute (now LUCA School of Arts), and at 21, she discovered the West African kora.

This instrument changed her life. She reconnected with her African roots and crossed paths with Toumani Diabaté, the kora's foremost international figure. He immediately recognised her potential to develop an innovative sound that matched her sensual and fragile voice perfectly. At Youssou N'Dour's request, Lubiana also performed with him during his concert in Brussels.

In October 2024, she released the album Terre Rouge, closely linked to her African roots. Her unique musical universe creates a harmony that is both modern and deeply rooted.

Extra: documentary 'Ballaké Sissoko, Kora Tales' at Cinema ZED

On February 11, the day before this special concert, Cinema ZED will screen the heartwarming documentary Ballaké Sissoko, Kora Tales. This film takes you on a visual and musical journey through Mali, Gambia, and Senegal and explores the legend, history, and evolution of the kora — the 21-string harp of West Africa.

The documentary is the perfect complement to the concert: first, immerse yourself in the rich tradition and story behind the music, then experience it live on stage.

• February 11, 8:00 PM (duration: 52'), @ Cinema ZED Vesalius
• Dialogue: French/Bambara - Subtitles: English
• tickets & info

More info

• in the storyline Democracy and citizenship