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Surahata Susso is a young composer, virtuoso korafolá A korafolá is a kora player in mandinka (who is able to make the kora talk) - korafolálu, plural. and percussionist from Gambia. Hailing from the well-known
Susso griot family, Surahata is the brother of the famous korafolá A korafolá is a kora player in mandinka (who is able to make the kora
talk) - korafolálu, plural. Seckou Keita Seckou Keita is a brilliant live performer with stacks of charisma, and one of the few champions of the less-known
and rhythmically rocking kora repertoire... Read more., and he's a truly natural performer and sings in Mandinka, his mother tongue.
Also a talented percussionist, Sura brings a highly distinctive blend of African and Cuban percussion styles, and has been
adding his flavour to the Seckou Keita Quintet since 2004. Touring worldwide, performing at festivals and events such as, Montreal Jazz Festival, The Hay Festival, WOMAD International Music Festival,
in the UK, Australia & New Zealand.
Having the good fortune of gracing the same stage as support band to Miriam Makeba before she passed away, and more
recently playing with the Award winning Malian artist Rokia Traore, Sura possess the gift of a traditional foundation, laced with multi faceted tunings from across West Africa, he gives thanks to his
rich dual family heritage, which has afforded him a repertoire of great flexibility, and a heart as warm as the sun...
The future looks bright for Sura, as he continues to focus on his experimental works. His last album, Sila
Kang, (2011), is a music gem focusing many new arrangements on standards like « Medina » inspired by the traditional « Sakhodougou »
or Manssana Cisse.
Tili Saba comes nearly a decade after his debut album, Sila
Kang. Whereas Sila
Kang documented a personal journey, Tili Saba was created with community and cohesion in mind. It is therefore by no accident that the album was produced with contributions from many amazing musicians and other creatives both in The Gambia and The UK.
Tili Saba carries the listener on a journey across periods and settings, immersing them in the warm and uplifting sounds of Gambian music.
The time has come for the next generation ! Sura is one to keep a close eye on.
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