Percussionist

A much-anticipated live performance by folk ‘supergroup’ Spell Songs, the musical evolution of the iconic Lost Words and Lost Spells books by acclaimed author Robert Macfarlane and award-winning artist Jackie Morris, commissioned by Folk by the Oak Festival and featuring the collaborative genius of Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter and Jim Molyneux.

Spell Songs

Usher Hall

Seckou Keita is a renowned Kora virtuoso who stands as a luminary amongst African traditional musicians. Hailing from Southern Senegal, his journey from a gifted child to a globally recognised musician has been nothing short of remarkable. Dubbed as "the Hendrix of the Kora'', Seckou's innovative approach and exceptional skill constantly pushes the boundaries of what the instrument can achieve. With a discography boasting 15 critically-acclaimed albums cumulating over 25 million streams on Spotify alone, and a collection of prestigious awards, including multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Seckou Keita has left an indelible mark on the music scene. He is a regular a regular at international festivals including Glastonbury, the BBC Proms and WOMAD.

Seckou Keita: The Hendrix of the Kora

ACO On The Pier

Seckou Keita is a renowned Kora virtuoso who stands as a luminary amongst African traditional musicians.

Hailing from Southern Senegal, his journey from a gifted child to a globally recognised musician has been nothing short of remarkable. Dubbed as "the Hendrix of the Kora'', Seckou's innovative approach and exceptional skill constantly pushes the boundaries of what the instrument can achieve. With a discography boasting 14 critically-acclaimed albums cumulating over 25 million streams on Spotify alone, and a collection of prestigious awards, including multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Seckou Keita has left an indelible mark on the music scene.

Edinburgh Tradfest: Seckou Keita

Traverse Theatre

Nottingham based Senegalese composer and kora player Seckou Keita is proud to present African Rhapsodies: an epic project created in collaboration with Italian composer and musician Davide Mantovani. This enchanting work for kora and orchestra celebrates Africa’s magical 22-stringed harp and gives it the position of prominence granted for centuries to the violin, piano and flute. It makes us wonder if Bach or Beethoven might have composed for kora had they travelled to Africa in their lifetime. Seckou builds on that notion by way of his own imagination, which is greatly sparked by his lengthy fascination with crossing cultural borders. The result is a majestic work showcasing a whirlwind of virtuosity, but above all a sublime poetic journey where music is pure emotion.

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African Rhapsodies

Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts

An exceptional and charismatic musician, Seckou Keita has arguably become one of the most influential and inspiring Kora players of his generation. Originally from Senegal, Seckou Keita is based in the UK. 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".

Artist Recital Series: Seckou Keita

Oberlin College

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Seckou Keita: African Rhapsodies at the Town Hall, Birmingham, on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, at 7:30pm. This extraordinary concert will showcase the mesmerizing combination of the kora—a traditional multi-stringed African instrument—with the full majesty of the orchestra, creating evocative Rhapsodies that promise to be simply beautiful.

Seckou Keita, renowned for his mastery of the kora, will lead this sublime set, taking you on a journey through a series of compositions that are evocative, poetic, and joyful. The program includes pieces such as "The Future Strings Variation," "Simply Beautiful Miro," "Tatono’s Path," "Ode to Kanou," "Tamala’s Caravan Trail," "The Shadow Left by the Invisible Man," "L'Epopee Mande-Arab," and "Bamba, the Light of Touba."

Under the baton of conductor Clark Rundell, with special guest artist Suntou Susso, this concert is a celebration of African music and its rich heritage, not to be missed.

Tickets are priced at £26 and £38, with a per-ticket commission of £3.50 included for tickets priced over £15. This event is part of our multi-buy discount, and we offer reduced ticket prices for students, 18-30s, under-18s, and benefit recipients, making it accessible to everyone.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the powerful fusion of the kora and the orchestra, bringing to life the vibrant spirit of Africa in the heart of Birmingham. Book your tickets now for Seckou Keita: African Rhapsodies and be part of a truly magical night.

Seckou Keita: African Rhapsodies

Birmingham Town Hall

After the success of African Rhapsodies, Seckou Keita returns to his roots with his new album, Homeland. In this upcoming opus, Seckou explores identity, sense of belonging and questions the very idea of home, influenced by his own relationship with both his adoptive UK homeland and his native Senegal.

Seckou Keita

Yoko Ono Lennon Centre

Seckou Keita is a renowned Kora virtuoso who stands as a luminary amongst African traditional musicians. Hailing from Southern Senegal, his journey from a gifted child to a globally recognised musician has been nothing short of remarkable. Dubbed as “the Hendrix of the Kora”, Seckou’s innovative approach and exceptional skill constantly pushes the boundaries of what the instrument canachieve. With a discography boasting 14 critically-acclaimed albums cumulating over 25 million streams on Spotify alone, and a collection of prestigious awards, including multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, he always leaves an indelible mark on the music scene.

Seckou Keita Homeland Band

The Stoller Hall

Dubbed “the Hendrix of the Kora”, Seckou’s innovative approach and exceptional skill pushes the boundaries of what the instrument can achieve. With 14 critically-acclaimed albums cumulating over 25 million streams on Spotify alone, and a collection of prestigious awards, including multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, he has left an indelible mark on the music scene.

The Grand Theatre & Opera House Leeds

Dubbed as "the Hendrix of the Kora'', Seckou's innovative approach and exceptional skill constantly pushes the boundaries of what the instrument can achieve. With a discography boasting 14 critically-acclaimed albums cumulating over 25 million streams on Spotify alone, and a collection of prestigious awards, including multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, he always leaves an indelible mark on the music scene.

Seckou Keita: Homeland Tour

Stables Theatre Ltd

A breathtaking blend of kora and orchestra.
Seckou Keita’s ambitious work for kora and orchestra ‘African Rhapsodies’ bridges classical and African music; past, present and future; oral and written musical forms; visible and invisible worlds. This is a grand homage to West Africa’s iconic 22-stringed harp. In each piece, the kora has been embedded into the scores rather than being an adornment. Together with musicians from the CBSO, conductor Clark Rundell and Senegalese percussionist Mohamed Gueye, they will present an intimate version of this work for a small ensemble.

Percussionist

Seckou Keita

Events

Upcoming events

Apr 25, 2027

Live at the Centre: Seckou Keita's African Rhapsodies · City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Sep 8, 2026

Spell Songs · Usher Hall

Nov 21, 2025

Seckou Keita: The Hendrix of the Kora · Australian Chamber Orchestra

Future and recently performed repertoire

Percussion in African Rhapsodies by Keita

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Percussion in Ataya Sonata by Keita

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

About

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