Seckou Keita

Seckou Keita is a renowned Kora (African Harp) 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.

His solo show is a mesmerising mix of captivating melodies, joyous rhythms, uplifting vocals and contemplative instrumentals. An elegant display of virtuosity, natural connection with the audience and joy that will undoubtedly draw the audience in and take their breath away.

Photo by Tatiana Gorilovsky

About Seckou

Seckou Keita, born in 1977 in Senegal, stands as a beacon among the newest generation of African traditional musicians. A virtuoso Kora player, Seckou has masterfully blended seven centuries of tradition with a modern global flair, earning him his position as one of the greatest African musicians of a generation. Seckou's musical prowess on the 22-stringed West African harp, the Kora, has captivated audiences worldwide since 1996. Collaborating with renowned artists like Salif Keita, Paul Weller, and Bassekou Kouyate, he has become an influential force, constantly pushing the boundaries of his art.

Hailing from Ziguinchor, Southern Senegal, Seckou's journey began as a childhood prodigy, born into a lineage of griots and kings. Since his arrival in the UK in 1999, Seckou's artistic evolution has been nothing short of epic. Nicknamed "the Hendrix of the Kora," he has revolutionised the instrument's expressive range with his inventive tunings and virtuosity, earning acclaim as "one of the finest exponents of the Kora". Seckou has graced global stages, from WOMAD and Glastonbury to Tokyo Jazz and Montreal Jazz Festivals, captivating audiences with his solo performances, as well as performances with his groundbreaking quintet.

Seckou's debut album ‘Baiyo’, later retitled ‘Mali’, released in 2001, propelled him to new heights as a standout Kora player. Since then, he has consistently exceeded preconceived notions of the Kora's potential. His musical exploration knows no bounds. Seckou has explored a multitude of genres including jazz, pop, Latin, folk, and classical. Notable partnerships include work with Damon Albarn, Catrin Finch, Omar Sosa showcase and the Lost words Collective. With a repertoire of 14 albums, Seckou has garnered accolades, including three Songlines Music Awards and multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including the 2019 Musician of the Year.

Seckou Keita's musical odyssey is a testament to his ability to transcend cultural borders, creating a sublime poetic journey where music becomes pure emotion. As he continues to push the boundaries, Seckou Keita's legacy is a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and a profound love for music that speaks to the soul.

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Venue Information - Ballina Arts Centre

Ballina Arts Centre is an exciting multidisciplinary arts venue in Ballina, Co. Mayo. Presenting a programme filled with the very best in visual art, music, film, literature, as well as theatre and dance, workshops, classes and talks.