seckou keita

We catch up with Senegalese kora master Seckou Keita to chat about his wonderful new Homeland (Chapter 1) album, a rich, beaming tapestry, and the various aspects of life that inspired it.

It’s clear from this first chapter of Homeland that Seckou Keita is here to take us on a musical journey; peppered with guest artists, the whole thing is a beautiful, buoyant celebration of life and place. Music this joyous and full of pathos is irresistible.

Seckou Keita has shared a beautiful video performance in tribute to Mamady Keita, the Guinean drummer who passed away this time last year in Belgium at the age of 71.

Echo, the third album from Welsh-Senegalese harp and kora duo Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita, is another significant leap forward; a masterpiece and a beautiful album from two artists who are operating at the height of their powers.

On Tuesday 27 April 2021 Spell Songs will perform a unique live streamed concert to raise funds for the Natural History Museum’s Urban Nature Project. We chat to Jackie Morris, Karine Polwart, Seckou Keita, Julie Fowlis, Kris Drever, Jim Molyneux, Rachel Newton and Beth Porter as well as Lauren Hyams, Natural History Museum’s Head of Garden Activities.

“The Lost Words” finally reaches us in the form of Spell Songs. Composed by eight of folk’s finest contemporary talents: Karine Polwart, Seckou Keita, Julie Fowlis, Kris Drever, Jim Molyneux, Kerry Andrew, Rachel Newton and Beth Porter, the songs bring us hope for the future.

Antonio Forcione (Italy), Seckou Keita (Senegal) and Adriano Adewale (Brazil) bring together the musical traditions of three continents with contemporary themes and rhythms in an utterly beguiling album.

Part Two of our Best Folk Albums of 2018 includes Ben Glover, Faeland, Shooglenifty, Brona McVittie, Emma Tricca, Glenn Jones, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, Rachael McShane, John Smith, Kacy & Clayton and lots more.

A remarkable album of such texture and prowess that at points its scope, concentrated into the workings of two masters of their instruments, takes the breath away. The pacing, structure, packaging and context, including inspired liner notes from Andy Morgan, is all impeccable and it all combines to result in a truly inspired, beautifully conceived project.

Kings Place, London is to play host to a series of concerts ‘without voices’ – No Voices presents leading lights in the brand new wave of contemporary UK-based musicians changing perceptions about instrumental music borne out of folk traditions.

Part Three – Best Folk Music Albums of 2015 including: Steve Tilston, Barrule, Blazin Fiddles, Boo Hewerdine, Kyle Carey, Peatbog Faeries, Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin, Seckou Keita, Urban Folk Quartet and more

Seckou Keita’s latest album ’22 Strings’ is his first ever solo album and in this new video interview he provides a valuable insight into the album including the significance of the songs and his kora playing.

22 Strings finds Seckou Keita at the top of his game in a never less than compelling collection which draws together many threads: musings on identity, place, history, of music viewed through the lenses of past and present. An absorbing document of his inner search for answers to some of the essential questions of existence, filtered through his deep respect for tradition while facing the future with an irrepressible positivity.

fRoots Celebrate their 35th anniversary year with a special gig at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall feat. artists who will perform together for the first time.