EP64 - Seckou Keita - Musician - Kora Master - Griot - Pioneer - ”A melody strong, an angel‘s voice and I find myself in awe of its truth...”

My guest in this episode is the world-class musician, griot
(praise singer), composer, djembe master, virtuoso and pioneer
-  Seckou Keita - he's a rarity, seated in tradition whilst
constantly pushing the boundaries of his art.


A true master of the kora - a 22 stringed West African harp -
Seckou, from Southern Senegal, was a childhood prodigy, born of a
line of griots and kings.


Seckou has graced the international stage since 1996, earning
worldwide acclaim for his kora playing and appearing with a host
of fellow artists including Paul Weller, Salif Keita, Damon
Alban, Youssou N’Dour, Miriam Makeba and Neil Finn.


It was whilst performing as part of the Africa Express Presents
The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians in 2016, that he met Paul for
the first time - playing a sensational version of Wild Wood
as part of the concerts.


In 2019, he won 'Musician of the Year' at the BBC Radio 2
Folk Awards - whilst also picking up the award for 'Best
Duo/Band' with Catrin Finch.


November 2020 saw the release of the On Sunset Remixes EP - with
Seckou's beautiful remix of Rockets featuring as one of the 5
tracks.


Seckou Keita has arguably become the most influential and
inspiring Kora player of his generation, an exceptional and
charismatic musician - find out more about his amazing music
& collaborations at seckoukeita.com


LINKS


Seckou Keita with Paul Weller on Wild Wood -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb9VKNe7o_U&ab_channel=AfricaExpress


Seckou Keita / Paul Weller - Rockets Remix -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yS41iAH2xg&ab_channel=paulwellertv


Find out more about Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita here and
dive in to his new album Suba recorded during lockdown
with Omar Sosa, one of Cuba's most prolific jazz pianists and the
astounding percussionist Gustavo Ovalles.


You can also see Africa in the Lounge featuring Seckou
Keita here


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