Sura Susso, UK based Gambian Kora Maestro Releases new album ‘Tili Saba’

Sura Susso, a UK based Gambian virtuoso kora player, percussionist and composer has released a new album called ‘Tili Saba’.

The eight-track album is available in all digital platforms. The album was composed and recorded with contributions from many amazing musicians in The Gambia and the UK.

Sura Susso told Afronews.de that the album draws from many sources of inspiration, but more than anything else, it is inspired by reflections on the simple yet wise saying, “Duniya Mu Tili Saba Leti, Kunung, Bii Ning Saama”, meaning the world is made up of three days, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

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He pointed out that the album explores the past, draws inspiration from the present and contemplates the future through the Kora and its journey across centuries.

About Sura Susso

Sura Susso is a creative, versatile and talented Kora player and percussionist who hails from a Traditional Griot family in The Gambia, West Africa.

He is the son of Mamudou Susso and Fatou Binta Cissokho, well-respected musicians in their own right and the younger brother of Seckou Keita who is also an accomplished and successful Kora player.

Griots are historians and orators who hold family and village records. Praise musicians and singers pass this information down through the generations from father to son. Sura’s first initiation to the Kora was at the age of four.

The Kora is a 21 stringed traditional instrument, which is able to transfer beautiful twined melodic and rhythmic tones.

At the age of 17, Seckou Keita invited his younger brother to join him on tour, sharing his talent as a percussionist. Performing in many countries around the world, this gave Sura the opportunity to shape his skills and experience as a performing artist.

Sura’s impressive debut album merges original compositions with various musical influences as well as incorporating rearranged traditional songs.

Sura Susso performed for Queen Elizabeth II in 2012

Exhibiting his talent in an assortment of countries, venues and festivals, Sura Susso was invited to perform at an opening ceremony at Manchester City Hospital playing for her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.

He has also partaken in a number of joint ventures, collaborating with a variation of skilful musicians. In 2009 Sura and his Sister Binta Susso, had the privilege of performing at Glastonbury Festival with the legendary Baaba Maal.

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Sura’s musical gift, once heard, is not easy to forget. His melodic style resonates deep within, transporting you far away to a harmonic place of sheer delight.

In 2011 he released his debut album called ‘Sila Kang’ comprised of 11 tracks – a collection of original compositions and re-arranged traditional songs.

By Bakary Ceesay