About Us
Mariama & Vieux – Biography
Mariama & Vieux is a rare alliance between two artists deeply rooted in the griot traditions of Casamance, southern Senegal. Together, Mariama Kouyaté and Vieux Cissokho carry a living heritage of storytelling and music that transcends borders, blending ancestral melodies with a modern, universal sound.
Deep Roots
Born in Dakar in 1986, Mariama Kouyaté comes from a long line of Manding griots. Her grandfather, Sekou Kouyaté, was a respected kora player, and her uncle Soundioulou Cissokho, known as “the King of the Kora,” shaped generations of West African musicians.
Mariama began singing at the age of five, performing traditional Casamance songs and quickly developing a powerful, soulful voice. In 2008, she was named Best Female Singer at the Wappy competition and went on to launch her solo career with songs such as Saragnima and Chérie.
Vieux Aliou Cissokho, born in Ziguinchor, also hails from the illustrious Cissokho family — a dynasty of griots and kora masters. Trained from childhood in the oral tradition, he learned not only to play the music but to live it. Today, he is recognized as a gifted composer and performer who bridges the ancient art of the kora with contemporary creativity and improvisation.
The Meeting – and the Birth of a Duo
The paths of Mariama and Vieux naturally crossed through their shared cultural roots and musical passions. Their connection was immediate — Mariama’s rich, emotional voice intertwines beautifully with Vieux’s delicate and intricate kora playing. Together, they weave a soundscape that merges Senegalese rhythms, Manding melodies, and influences drawn from jazz, folk, and world music.
Since forming their duo in 2015, Mariama & Vieux have performed across Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States. Their concerts are more than performances — they are journeys of emotion, storytelling, and connection between tradition and modernity.
Recognition and Collaborations
Over the years, the duo has become one of the most authentic and inspiring voices in the African world-music scene. They have collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Sekouba Bambino, Seckou Keita, and Gabriel Saglio, further establishing their reputation as innovative ambassadors of West African culture.
Music with Purpose
For Mariama & Vieux, music is both an act of creation and an act of transmission. Their songs speak of family, dignity, resilience, love, and peace. Each composition is a celebration of life and a tribute to their ancestors.
Their forthcoming album, Ntery, set for release on December 20, 2025, marks a new chapter in their journey — blending traditional rhythms with modern arrangements and carrying universal messages of unity and hope.
A Bridge Between Cultures
Today, Mariama & Vieux divide their time between Europe and Senegal, sharing their music on stages around the world. Their performances are intimate yet powerful, rooted yet modern — a bridge between past and present, Africa and the world.
Through the dialogue between Mariama’s voice and Vieux’s kora, their music tells stories of roots and dreams, identity and humanity. It is both a journey home and an open invitation to all who listen.