Seckou Keita is one of the great virtuosos of the kora, the traditional West African bridge harp. Born in the Casamance region of southern Senegal, he grew up within the rich tradition of the griots – professional musicians, singers and storytellers. As a descendant of a centuries-old griot dynasty, he continues this ancient cultural heritage today.
His dazzling virtuosity has taken him around the world, leading to collaborations with countless artists and creating connections to folk and jazz. Yet the heart of his work has always remained solo performance, as it was once cultivated at royal courts. At the Elbphilharmonie, Keita presents music from his album »22 Strings«. These are delicate, contemplative compositions whose repeating phrases create a hypnotic effect before unfolding into songs in which Keita sings himself or builds towards irresistibly funky and virtuosic rhythms.
The album’s title refers to a special story: centuries ago, when the djinns, the spirits of the African bush, gave the very first kora with 22 strings to the griot Jali Mady. After his death, fellow griots removed one string in his memory. In Keita’s home region of southern Senegal, however, the 22-string kora survived. For Keita, that additional string has become a symbol of home: the place where his heart belongs.
PERFORMERS
Seckou Keita kora
PROGRAM
»Celebrating 30 Years of Music«
