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‘Seckou Keita can be classed alongside the great Toumani Diabaté as one of the adventurous masters of the kora, the African harp’ – The Guardian
Seckou Keita from Senegal has been called “the Hendrix of the kora”, the living heart of West African classical music.
He is celebrated for his ingenious tunings and virtuosity and praised as “one of the finest exponents of the kora” also known as the African harp.
Performing all over the globe as a solo artist and with his ground-breaking quintet, he has captivated audiences at WOMAD, Hay, Glastonbury, Tokyo Jazz, Chicago World Music Festival, Sydney International and Montreal Jazz Festival.
In 2025 he also performs with Rhiannon Giddens in Dublin as an invited special guest.
Acclaimed collaborations with numerous jazz, pop, Latin, folk and classical artists, notably include Damon Albarn & the Africa Express; Welsh harpist Catrin Finch; Cuban pianist Omar Sosa; AKA trio with Italian guitarist Antonio Forcione and Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale; Paul Weller and the Folk Collective.
Overall, Seckou has released 11 albums as a leader and co-leader. Through this work, he has earned numerous accolades including three Songlines Music Awards, and several BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including 2019 Musician of the Year.
“I don’t know if I’m a folk musician, a jazz or a world one,” he said at the time. “Forget about categories. My music is just music for the soul.”
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Venue Information - Ballina Arts Centre
Ballina Arts Centre is an exciting multidisciplinary arts venue in Ballina, Co. Mayo. Presenting a programme filled with the very best in visual art, music, film, literature, as well as theatre and dance, workshops, classes and talks.