Seckou Keita

Seckou Keita is a Senegalese kora player and drummer from Ziguinchor in Casamance, southern Senegal. He is known for playing the less widely known kora repertoire from that region and for working across West African, European and Indian musical settings.

Career

He begins his international career in 1996, working under the guidance of his uncle Solo Cissokho and appearing at Norway’s Forde Festival in a collaboration with Cuban, Indian and Scandinavian musicians. He later relocates to the United Kingdom and tours regularly in Spain, France, Portugal, Greece and the Czech Republic. He also appears at festivals including WOMAD and Glastonbury, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with other musicians.

Keita joins the world music group Baka Beyond as drummer in 1998 and remains with the group until 2000. During that period he contributes to their album East To West. In 2000 he begins recording his solo debut Baiyo, later retitled Mali for a subsequent release through ARC Music. The album reflects his musical journey from Africa to Europe via India.

Collaborations and groups

In 2004, Keita forms the Seckou Keita Quartet. He also records and performs as part of several named projects, including AKA Trio, Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita, Seckou Keita Quartet and Spell Songs. His collaboration with Welsh harpist Catrin Finch brings him a wider audience.

As Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita, he releases three albums: Clychau Dibon in 2013, Soar in 2018 and Echo in 2022. He also collaborates with the Indian violinist Dr. L. Subrimaniam.