JMO - I Nia Yelle

For their 10th anniversary, JMO - Jan Galega Brönnimann, Moussa Cissokho and Omri Hason - present their third album I Nia Yelle. In Mandinka, the language of a West African ethnic group, it means: "Open Your Eyes".

JMO are not only the initials of the three musicians, but also the three main influences on their music: jazz - Mandinka - Orient. The group unites the clear, pearlescent sound of the kora (a traditional African harp with 22 strings) with the deep, smoky tones of the bass clarinet, supported by Omri Hason's rich percussion. Their playing is distinguished by beautiful melodies and rhythmic elegance - during unforgettable live concerts, the three musicians move between magical, contemplative moments and rhythmically explosive peaks.

Influenced by the cultural heritage of West African griot songs, Moussa Cissokho sings about contemporary life in Africa and Europe. His lyrics touch on longing, mysterious rivers, and experiences at border controls in Europe. He belongs to the 42nd generation of the great Cissokho kora dynasty and griot family, which has shaped the tradition of West African music for over 1,000 years.