TEDxRC2 - Seckou Keita and Binta Susso - A Modern Take on Traditional Sounds from West Africa

Seckou Keita

Seckou Keita believes that music can make a difference. Brought up by a traditional Griot family in the region of Casamance in southern Senegal, he began his musical training as a kora player at a very early age. 

A kora is built from a large bottle gourd that is cut in half and covered with cow skin to make a resonator. It has a notched bridge. An engaging instrument, the sound represents that of a harp. Known as the "Jimmy Hendrix of the kora," Keita has been touring internationally for the past 12 years and has been fundraising for the ICRC since 2010

At TEDxRC², Keita performs a mellow and moving solo kora piece, as well as an upbeat tune with his younger sister and Gambian vocalist, Binta Suso. The two are currently working on Seckou's new album, "Distance," for release in 2012, along with his brothers and special guests. Together, they offer a unique take on modern, West African music that is firmly rooted in the story-telling tradition that has been passed down in their family for generations.

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