Since arriving in the UK in 1999, Seckou Keita has been on an epic creative journey that has seen him broaden the idiomatic scope of his instrument as well as spread his wings, literally and figuratively.
Nicknamed “the Hendrix of the Kora“, Seckou has been celebrated for his ingenious tunings and virtuosity and praised as “one of the finest exponents of the kora”. Performing all over the globe as a solo artist and with his ground-breaking quintet, he has captivated audiences at WOMAD, Hay, Glastonbury, Tokyo Jazz, Chicago World Music Festival, Sydney International, Montreal Jazz Festivals and many more places.
Acclaimed collaborations with numerous jazz, pop, Latin, folk and classical artists, notably include Damon Albarn & the Africa Express; Welsh harpist Catrin Finch; Cuban pianist Omar Sosa; AKA trio with Italian guitarist Antonio Forcione and Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale; Paul Weller and the Folk Collective; The Lost Words, Spell Songs (2019) joined by the words of Robert McFarlane and artwork of Jackie Morris.
Since 2007, he has had several opportunities to perform with classical ensembles including Orchestre National de Bretagne, which has spurred him towards his dream of leading an orchestral work specifically for the kora.
Credit PapePhotoma
Overall, Seckou has released 11 albums as a leader and co-leader. Through this work, he has earned numerous accolades including several BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and 2019 Musician of the Year. “I don’t know if I’m a folk musician, a jazz or a world one,” he said at the time, “Forget about categories. My music is just music for the soul.”
For his latest album Homeland (Chapter 1) (released 18th October 2024 by Hudson Records) he has teamed up with his friend, one of the most sought-after Senegalese producers, Youssou N’Dour and co-producer, Moussa Ngom to create a unique, crossover sound that subtly brings together acoustic and electronic music, traditional rhythms and urban beats.
This ambitious collection of 12 tracks was recorded and mixed across four countries (Senegal, UK, Belgium and Germany) beginning in 2022 with a mixture of four languages: Mandinka, Wolof, English and French from an array of extraordinary guests and collaborators.
Homeland takes listeners on a surprising journey from past to present through music and words. Questioning the very idea of what ‘home’ means, Seckou Keita explores his own identity and relationship with his adoptive UK and native Senegal.
The story behind the album began in 2017 when Seckou Keita started a series of Pan-African collaborations, including a track with Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal. That collaboration, and the global context through 2020, created a desire for Seckou to develop a deeper understanding of this musical exploration:
“Since the events of 2020, my mind and heart have been actively seeking the answers to so many questions in relation to my UK adopted home and my Senegalese native one. Two lands, two homes, and all the places I regularly visit in between; each place embracing family, friends, music and stories.” – Seckou Keita
On this journey, it became evident that he needed to work with the most relevant hip hop voices from Senegal… So he reached out to his old friends and the global sensation band Daara J Family which led to the beautiful track ‘Home Sweet Home‘, a mixture of acoustic and hip hop recorded at 3 am on a dusty morning!
“At the heart of Homeland is storytelling, an essential part of the griot tradition, which has been shaped over centuries and is an integral part of my life and my culture. Above all else we are the preservers of stories and history.” – Seckou Keita
So it is not surprising that the album begins and ends with pieces written and delivered in the traditional ‘griot tradition‘ style, beautifully rendered by the voice and preserver of Mandinka Culture, Abdoulaye Sidibé.
For Seckou, it was important to go further and make sure that words, poetry in particular, had a special place and weight within the album. This is where Hannah Lowe entered with her special Deportation Blues piece, along with Zena Edwards with her quietly but powerfully delivered Reflections.
Throughout the album, Seckou Keita celebrates both the ties we keep with our ancestral lands and the contributions we make to our adoptive lands with soulful ballads, pop anthems, irresistible big band, dancey grooves, and intimate stories.
Overall, Homeland Chapter 1 acts as a bridge of genres; subtly blending the infectious Mbalax rhythms from his native Senegal with urban beats in tracks such as Nay Rafet and or between acoustic and pop anthems as shown in Wakili.
Homeland delves into past and present across serious topics, all led by the Kora, an ancient instrument dating from the 13th century, but always looking at its relevance today. Listeners will undoubtedly be moved, emotionally and physically!
The album comes with a fantastic 44-page colour booklet with astonishing street life photos from young Senegalese artist Taylor Kitoko.
It will be released on 18th October by independent UK label Hudson Records. A series of singles have already been released ahead of the album: Ni Mala Beugué, Chaque Jour and Nay Rafet
Here’s a peek:
To celebrate this latest release, Seckou Keita will be on tour in the UK with the Homeland band, an all-star line-up of Senegalese musicians, through October and November 2024.
We can’t wait for Chapter 2!
Live Dates as follows:
Oct 24th Turner Sims Southampton
Oct 26th Ropetackle Arts Centre Shoreham-by-Sea
Oct 27th Stables Theatre Ltd Wavendon
Oct 25th Wiltshire Music Centre Bradford-on-Avon
Oct 28th The Apex Bury St Edmunds
Oct 30th Metronome Nottingham
Oct 31st The Fire Station Sunderland
Nov 2nd Foundry Sheffield
Nov 3rd KOKO London
Nov 6th Brewery Arts Kendal
Nov 8th The Stoller Hall Manchester
Nov 9th Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre Bangor
Nov 10th The Tung Auditorium Liverpool
Nov 12th SWX Bristol
For further information please visist: Seckou Keita website | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | X | Youtube |
