Together with two masters of their instruments and boundary-breakers, Dhafer Youssef explores his African roots with a new and modern perspective. 

Oud master, vocalist and composer Dhafer Youssef, whose music resists categorisation, is at the vanguard of a movement in contemporary music that brings East and West together. One of the most inventive oud players, he has succeeded in freeing the instrument from its traditional role and bringing it into jazz. 

Ballaké Sissoko’s kora playing echoes Dhafer’s approach to the traditional instrument: at the same time grounded in its history and deeply personal. They met in 2016 during a residency at the Musée des Confluences in Lyon and bonded over this similar vision of their respective instruments. 

One of Dhafer’s long-time friends, Eivind Aarset displays his wide sonic palette, that stretches from Nordic influences to African rhythms. His textures on guitar bring an acoustic-electric blend that gives density and depth to the sound of the group. 

"Digital Africa" appears as a milestone in Dhafer Youssef’s career: it’s the project of the wisdom, where the mastery is about telling new stories.

Jazz FM’s Sarah Ward says:

'This is a fascinating meeting between a trio of masters of their instruments with Hafer Youssef on the beautiful middle eastern oud, Ballake Sissoko the rippling west african kora harp and from Norway the sonic adventurer, guitarist Eivind Aaarset. There’ll be plenty of groundbreaking grooves.'