Keba Bobo Cissoko was born in Guinea Bissau in 1962. The son of a traditional griot family, in a griot village, Keba lived the ancient life of the "Jali" in his early years, travelling 6 months of the year, bringing songs, music and stories to the surrounding communities and retiring to the village for the rainy season. In his early twenties he moved to Conakry and joined the Ensemble Instrumental National and the Ballets Africains, the two foremost musical organizations in the country of Guinea. He co-founded the award-winning ensemble "Les Merveilles d'Afrique" and toured the world extensively as a member of these companies. In the mid-nineties, he came to America where he founded his own group "Tamalalou."

After establishing himself as a premier singer / kora player in the United States, Keba Bobo Cissoko died on February 8, 2003, losing a long battle with HIV.

Keba was a uniquely gifted artist who imbued every aspect of his expression with a distinctive stamp. He will be sorely missed by his public, friends, collaborators and family. Without him, his support and encouragements, the Fula Flute project would not have existed.

Wa Salaam Aleikum, Keba Bobo! Thank you for your friendship, your music, your love and your wisdom. May God keep you close to him.