We are delighted to welcome the Jally Kebba Susso Trio to Listen to the World this month. Gambian born Kora player Jally Kebba will be accompanied on Bass and Calabash. Not to be missed!
About Jally Kebba Susso
Jally Kebba is a musical and cultural ambassador for Gambia in UK. He is a kora player and composer, and he’s come to shake things up!
In west African culture, the kora is the traditional harp of the griot. The griot plays a key part by bringing together the skills of a historian, musician, storyteller and diplomat to steer the community and its leadership to a better future. You can only be born a griot, inheritance being the only path. And Jally Kebba plays from a background of 74 generations of musical heritage. In November 2022 he was awarded the title of musical and cultural ambassador for Gambia in uk andEurope from the high commissioner of the Gambia in UK
Early griot influences
Raised in a household of musicians, Jally Kebba was exposed to incredible musicianship from a very early age. He learnt to play under the guidance of his father the late Bully Suso, a very well-respected kora player and his elder brothers. By 13 he was touring internationally across west Africa, Belgium, Holland and UK. This early exposure and inherent ambition led Jally to his mission: ‘To expand the boundaries of the griot tradition whilst keeping its heart and soul intact’.
About Listen to the World
‘Listen to the World’ is a place of live music where the traditions and talents of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers find a home among local artists. A playlist of shorts and other recordings from the Listen to the World programme can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@StEthelburgasLondon
Co-ordinator: For all questions about Listen to the World or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Jo Winsloe Slater at jo.winsloe@stethelburgas.org
We are immensely grateful for the support of Arts Council England for this programme.