“Some musicians have never heard the kora before, but they have this piece of paper and suddenly we talk, we share, we express something” says Seckou Keita, who has been nicknamed the “Hendrix of the Kora”.
Seckou has captivated audiences at WOMAD, Hay, Glastonbury, Tokyo Jazz, Chicago World Music Festival, Sydney International, Montreal Jazz festivals. On Saturday 8th February, he unites with the BSO at Lighthouse, Poole.
Native to the Malinke people of western Africa, the kora is a long-necked harp lute with 22 strings. With a range of just three octaves, it is tuned by moving the leather rings at the top of its neck. The unique sound it produces is often described as a combination of the harp and the lute — and as being simultaneously soothing and exhilarating.
Kora player Seckou Keita
Hailing from the west African ‘Griot’ tradition of oral storytelling, Seckou Keita is a musician and kora player who has been on an epic creative journey since arriving in the UK in the late-90s. The kora has been used by Griots over the centuries as part of their unique role in society; passing down legendary tales, music and history from generation to generation.
In this meeting of musical worlds, African Rhapsodies places the kora at the heart of an orchestra, giving it the prominence which has long been granted to the violin, piano and flute. Keita says that he wants to “utilise the breadth, beauty, immensity, intensity of an orchestra” in the collaboration.
“[African Rhapsodies] makes us wonder if Bach or Beethoven might have composed for kora had they travelled to Africa in their lifetime.”
Explaining more about what the project means to him Keita says “I am a kora player, I come from the Griot tradition, and so I share stories through music and song. African Rhapsodies felt like the perfect form to express who I am, where I come from and what I want to share with people”.
Seckou will be be joined by percussionist (and fellow Griot!) Mohamed Gueye. African Rhapsodies has been devised in collaboration with composer and musician Davide Mantovani, and Fiona Monbet conducts the Orchestra.
Join Seckou Keita and friends for African Rhapsodies alongside Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on Saturday 8 February at Lighthouse, Poole.