For the band’s 10th anniversary, 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, this means: Open Your Eyes. JMO are not only the initials of the three musicians, but also the three main influences in their music: jazz, mandinka and oriental. The music of this trio brings the art of storytelling back to life. The sparkling, clear sound of the kora (traditional African bridge harp with 22 strings) meets the sonorous, smoky tones of the bass clarinet and is supported by Omri Hason’s various percussion instruments. The interplay between Moussa Cissokho, Jan Galega Brönnimann and Omri Hason captivates with beautiful melodies and rhythmic elegance – in their unforgettable live concerts, the three oscillate between magically transfigured moments and rhythmically explosive flights of fancy. The result is authentic and contemporary chamber music. The trio crosses boundaries between traditional and modern sounds from Africa, Europe and the Orient. The repertoire comes from all three musicians and shows their different influences. The encounter of the three cultures, the selection of instruments and the rich pool of ideas, melodies and rhythms makes the music an unforgettable listening adventure. Influenced by the cultural heritage of West African Griot songs, Moussa Cissokho sings about life in Africa and Europe today. His lyrics are about longing, mysterious rivers or experiences at border controls in Europe. He belongs to the 42nd generation of the great Kora dynasty and Griot family Cissokho, which has shaped the tradition of West African music for over 1000 years.

Photo: Christa Engstler