Malian kora master Ballaké Sissoko and British-Italian folk songwriter Piers Faccini unite on One Half of a Dream, the latest single from their upcoming collaborative album, Our Calling. The song weaves Malian musical traditions with English folk influences, creating an intricate and hypnotic arrangement. Delicate kora melodies intertwine with guitar and ngoni bass, providing a rich foundation for Faccini’s introspective lyrics and Nick Drake-like vocals.
Lyrically, One Half of a Dream contemplates choice in the face of ecological and climate challenges. Set against a flowing instrumental backdrop, the song urges listeners to consider the consequences of inaction, both individually and collectively. The result is a track that feels timeless yet deeply relevant.
Sissoko and Faccini’s collaboration has been years in the making, first crossing paths in the early 2000s before later reuniting on Sissoko’s Djourou in 2020. Their shared musical vision takes full form in Our Calling, an album recorded live over five days in Paris, capturing an organic, acoustic sound that pays homage to centuries of migration—whether in nature, music, or human experience. One Half of a Dream is a glimpse into this cross-cultural dialogue, blending tradition with contemporary folk sensibilities.