Suntou Susso

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Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist: kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia.

Born a Griot in a 700-year old tradition, the kora - a harp-lute with 22 strings - is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people. Griots have a unique societal role as oral historians, 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.  

Suntou has collaborated with celebrated jazz singer Sarah-Jane Morris; Guitarist Tony Remy - Ronnie Scott's; Ghazalaw - an Indian-Welsh fusion project on BBC Radio 2, 3 and 6, bass player Davide Mantovani, modern jazz fusion opera singer Pumeza Matshikiza - performed on ITV's This Morning. He co-composed and recorded a successful album as a key member of Norway-based 'Kristin Asbjornsen Trio', performing at Jazz festivals around Europe. 

As an acknowledged master of the kora, Suntou was invited to perform alongside world famous Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour at the O2 in 2018. An impressive moment for any young musician and a seal of approval from the legendary artist.  Here in the UK he also performs classical kora as a solo artist at sizable theatres, with orchestral productions and across the festival circuit including WOMAD, Hay Festival, Beyond the Border and more. 

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.  He 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.  

“Wonderful Oblivion is a triumphant indie folk effort – nostalgic yet fresh, haunting, but at the same time serene. ” - We Found New Music

“Melbourne sister duo Charm of Finches are perched for stardom. For lovers of tight sibling harmonies, chamber folk, and those who long to be carried-away by a lullaby…” -  Ariana Morgenstern, KCRW Today's Top Tune