Selma & Ibou

Selma French Bolstad and Ibou Cissokho are two strong musical personalities who have found a natural way of sharing their musical heritages with each other. Both come from traditions characterized by storytelling and both are remarkable singers and instrumentalists. Bolstad, was taught the folk music style of Valdres from an early age. She plays, sings and writes songs in bands such as Masåva and Morgonrode, and she is also an improviser who works with several key musicians on the Norwegian improv scene. This goes for Cissokho as well - he continues the griot traditions from his father, the legendary griot Solo Cissokho, while his virtuoso kora playing constantly finds new musical collaborators on the Norwegian scene. They are both part of a Norwegian scene where an increased interest in Norwegian folk music goes hand in hand with openness towards musical traditions from other parts of the world is growing. Anything is possible, if you only have curiosity and open ears. That goes for the musicians as well as the audience. At Oslo World, the duo will be joined by bassist Mats Eilertsen, one of the foremost performers of his instrument in Norwegian and European jazz, who just won a Norwegian Grammy for one of his latest albums.