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32 Arts & Culture
SUNTOU SUSSO THE MULTI-TALENTED MUSICIAN By Pa Modou Faal
Suntou Susso is a famous traditional Kora player who applies his traditional skills in the arts to capture the attention of his followers while entertaining them to the maximum. Suntou’s musical background draws back to an ancestral lineage of the well-known Gambian Mandinka griot family which is renowned for entertaining people during prestigious ceremonies. Kora is a traditional Mandinka instrument which prides its roots from the different empires of West Africa - Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. The Kora is a 21-string instrument made up of cords, cow skin, mahogany log, and some other metal rings. Touring his debut album Kanefonyo (Never give up), Suntou blended the scintillating traditional Kora tunes and Mandinka lyrics with the westernised soul and Afrofunk music to fit a wider audience. At the Metronome in Nottingham on June 9th, the son of the famous griot and Kora player Mamadou Susso, held his fans to their feet the whole evening. The multi-talented song writer, composer and instrumentalist Suntou Susso, displayed his skills in playing the Kora Instrument with style, humour, glamour, and vigour. He displayed to the audience his skills in the “Jembeh” percussion with danceable bits all night.
Music and Kora are in the DNA of the Susso family which was demonstrated when Suntou was joined by his brother and sister on stage. This was not expected by the agile crowd but a performance that was one of masterclass. His family is gifted with talent, voice, and humour. His sister’s reverberating voice rekindled the audience’s dance appetite, and everyone rose to their feet. In a solemn yet emotional praise and acknowledge of support, Suntou introduced his brother whom he said is his role model in the musical industry, Saikou Keita. Saikou is an international artist who tours the world and has released many albums international. He was emotional and excited but did not shy from entertaining the audience. The multi-talented family put up a highly respectable performance leaving everyone happily entertained. The humble and charismatic Suntou stayed at the end of his performance to sign autographs for his fans and took the opportunity to promote his album. It was a night of traditional yet fulfilling entertainment as well as manifestation of strong family bond.
