Yacouba Sissoko was born in Mali. He is a master kora player from the Djely griot tradition. After his graduation from the Institut National des Arts du Mali in Bamako, he played with artists like Taye and Oumou Sacko, Haja Soumano, Djallou Demba, Ami Koita, Fantani Koure, Kandia Kouyate, and l’Ensemble Instrumental du Mali. Yacouba continues to record with many famous musicians, including Source, Tamalalou, and Fula Flute.