Suntou Susso

About

Multi instrumentalist, Kora Master, producer, composer, teacher and song-writer.

Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist: kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia. Born a Griot in the 700-year old tradition of the kora-a harp-lute with 22 strings unique to the Mandinka people. As part of this incredible musical tradition Suntou has a unique societal role as oral historian whilst transmitting and preserving a people's culture through the generations in song, music and poetry.

Suntou's family includes some of the world's most highly respected West African musicians. His musical abilities are outstanding, perhaps unique for his generation. An in-demand and charismatic performer, he attracted attention as soon as he arrived on the UK music scene.

As well as sell-out tours with his full band, Suntou is much in demand for his incredible solo shows which have included The Nest Collective Campfire Club, How the Light Gets In, Greenbelt Festival, Sidmouth Folk Festival and Sofar Sounds.

His debut album, Kanèfonyo (Never Give Up) has been a massive hit, clocking up tens of thousands of plays on Spotify and receiving rave reviews.

In The Gambia, Suntou has a huge fan base and has released successful singles and music videos. These continue to receive daily exposure on national TV and radio.

Suntou also runs fun and engaging drumming and kora workshops in schools, colleges and universities to pass his rich culture and knowledge on to the next generation, for example Project African Experience for Black History Month.

'Suntou Susso's music brings nothing but good vibes as it combines the rich, traditional sound of his West-African Mandinka culture with Afro funk and soul' Songlines ★★★★

'Extraordinary…enjoyable…mesmerised by the shimmering sounds' The Live Room, Saltaire