THE SMILING COAST
Sura's band comprises of himself on kora, vocals & percussion; his sister, the phenomenal singer, Binta Suso; Ousman Beyai on guitar (previously from Ifang Bondi) & Njega Sohna on percussions. Together they have enthralled audiences across the UK - and they have more gigs coming up.
On occasion, Sura also has the pleasure to welcome Amadou Diagne on percussions, Baba Galleh Kante on flute, and Momodou Darboe on bass. In the near future, he is hoping to expand the band and invite his younger brother Suntou Susso and Yusupha Suso on balafon from the Gambia.
And on a lucky day, you might find him joined by his young nephew Karim Keita, an absolute treat for any audience!
Sura Susso and Ling Peng are virtuosos of two of the world’s oldest instruments –the kora and the erhu. Sura, born into a Gambian griot family, and Ling, a child prodigy in the instrument that literally means ‘two strings’, have played across every continent as soloists, songwriters, and band members in warehouses, ballrooms and concert halls. And now, in the world premiere of this new show, they join forces to explore rhythms, melodies and songs from both cultures and discover ways to blend and bend these two musical traditions. With Michael Cretu on bass and Mohinder Singh on tablas, this will be an exhilarating evening of lyrical melodies, intricate percussion, story telling and musical mastery.
SURA SUSSO & LING PENG
Many moons ago, Seckou Keita invited his younger brother Sura to come to the UK from the Gambia to play in his band - the Seckou Keita Quintet. Since then, Sura has been an integral part of the Seckou Keita's music endeavours - They have toured the world together, and Sura has played on the latest two album releases. In one of his songs ' Jalikunda' on his debut album Sila Kang, he expresses his gratitude and thanks to Seckou.
SECKOU KEITA
Max Baillie and Sura Susso met in Senegal in 2005 where they became fast friends and have been playing together ever since.
They perform a mix of Baroque music and West African bardic spirituals, weaving together two centuries-old string traditions and setting sparks flying with their unique musical bond and electric improvisation skills.
Sura & Max Baillie
Sura had the pleasure to be invited to play on his friend Amadou Diagne's Debut Album, which won the Battle of the Bands last year and was subsequently released on the World Music Network label.
The video features one of their songs 'Yarou' during the Album Release concert in Bath, UK, in May 2012.
Sura & Amadou Diagne
After performing with artists of great repute on the international stage for several years, both Pete Bernard and Sura Susso are emerging with their own original work. Along the way they discovered each other and a profound musical connection has flourished. The piano and the koras timbres work beautifully together. These two versatile instruments present exciting possibilities in the hands of these inspired young artists. It is in so many ways, a true meeting of spirits. The album is in the making...
Sura & Pete Josef
Kora Song Radio is an exploration of new musical territory brought about by the multi-cultural landscapes of modern Britain and the Gambia. It includes Jeremy Avis, Rebecca Askew, David Mantovini and David Giovannini.
One of their productions was the wonderful Goalmouth project, combining the themes of music, dance and football. You can also watch a video of the Goalmouth Project here. Please see their website for further info.
Kora Song Radio