MUSIC. CULTURE. COMMUNITY
Led by Moussa — artist, educator, community builder
Performances. Workshops. Community Project. Shop
KOROLEKO MOUSSA
Music, heritage and resilience — rooted in West African tradition
Early Life
Moussa was born in the small village of Ouarkuye, near Dédougou in Burkina Faso.
His father came from the Dembele family of Burkina Faso, and his mother from the Keita family of Mali — two proud lineages bound by artistry and tradition. But his birth came under difficult circumstances.
His mother, only fourteen years old, had been promised in marriage to another man in Benena, Mali, since she was twelve. When she became pregnant, her family faced an impossible choice — to honour the old promise, or accept the new life growing inside her. Shaped by the values they grew up with, they chose to step away from their love.
The child was hidden away, and his mother was sent to fulfil the marriage she had been pledged to. Forbidden to speak of her son, she carried her sorrow in silence.
Three months later, the baby — Moussa — was given to relatives from the Keita family. A couple unable to have children took him in.
Life in Djibasso, near the Mali border, was not easy. His adoptive father was harsh, and hardship shaped his early years.
But within that hardship, something else was formed — a quiet strength that would guide him throughout his life.
Moussa Dembele is the founder of the Faso Deme Bagaou community project, based in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
A musician, craftsman and educator, his work carries forward a deep cultural lineage — shaped by rhythm, storytelling and tradition.
Moussa’s journey is a reminder that even the deepest wounds can become the source of great beauty — and that no distance, loss or silence can stop the rhythm of a heart born to sing.
Comunity Project
Moussa is the founder of the Faso Deme Bagaou project in Burkina Faso, dedicated to supporting communities through education, creativity and sustainable development.
A portion of his work directly supports these initiatives.
Professional Work
Music, craft and performance
Now based in London, Moussa has become a professional musician, teacher and master craftsman of West African instruments, a path he has followed for over 25 years.
As the leader of the Koroleko band, he has performed at festivals including Medicine Festival and Boomtown, and collaborated with artists such as Afriquoi.
He also contributed to the soundtrack for Black Is King by Beyoncé, in collaboration with James William Blades.
Crafts & Services
Alongside performing, Moussa builds handcrafted kora, balafon, ngoni, djembe and doum doum, and offers professional repair services for these instruments, as well as facilitating workshops in schools.
Whether performing, teaching or crafting, his work is guided by a deep respect for tradition and community.
He has also recently been featured in Crafft Land's hardcover and audiobook by James Fox as a master of West African instrumentation, as well as BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 3.
Whether you're booking a workshop, lesson or planning a performance, you can start here — or get in touch directly below for something more specific.