Sura Susso

Biography

The Saga of Sura Susso

A Griot's Tale from The Gambia to the Global Stage

Step into the legacy of Sura Susso, a formidable percussionist, singer-song writer and virtuoso of the kora, whose music weaves together the ancient traditions of West African Griots with the vibrancy of the world’s stages.

Experience the story of a man whose roots are as deep as the history he carries.

His journey from the compounds of The Gambia to concert halls across continents is not just a musical tour but a mission to share a rich cultural heritage with the world – something he is immensely proud of.

Rooted in Rhythm

Born into a family of esteemed Griots in The Gambia, Sura was cradled in music and tradition. Under the tutelage of his father, Mamodou Susso, a renowned kora player, and his late mother, Fatou Bintou Cissokho, a celebrated singer and percussionist, Sura's childhood was a mosaic of melodies and teachings; his exploration on the kora beginning at the tender age of four.

His journey from the familial compounds to the concert halls of the world is a testament to a life dedicated to the preservation and celebration of West African heritage, through music.

The Griot Legacy: Keepers of History and Harmony

Traditionally, Griots, or 'Jali' in Mandinka, are more than musicians; they are historians, storytellers, praise singers, and cultural custodians. This hereditary role ensures the transmission of oral history and cultural knowledge across generations and they play a pivotal role in celebrations such as marriages and naming ceremonies.

In Sura’s melodies, one can hear the echoes of centuries-old tales and the wisdom of the Mandinka people. His music acts as a living archive of West African culture, preserving the stories and traditions that might otherwise fade with time. Through his performances, Sura brings the past into the present, allowing his audience to experience the rich tapestry of human history and emotion encoded in his songs.

Strumming the Soul

Sura’s philosophy intertwines the power of music with social communion and cultural advocacy. He sees his performances as bridges, connecting disparate worlds through the universal language of music.

His artistic vision is not only to entertain but to enlighten, sharing the beauty and depth of Gambian music and Griot traditions with a global audience. Through each performance, Sura invites his listeners to a cultural dialogue, fostering understanding and appreciation for the diversity of human expressions.

Echoes of Achievement

Sura began his international career as a percussionist with the Seckou Keita Quintet in his late teens and has progressed to work and perform alongside international artists including Baaba Maal, Rokia Traore, Habib Koite, Youssou N’dour and Christian Scott, showcasing his mastery on the kora. He has released two highly acclaimed albums, each representing a distinct chapter in a larger story of cultural exchange and artistic evolution.

Highlights of Sura’s career include his acclaimed performances at major festivals around the world, as well as for the late Queen Elizabeth II. His quest to promote music from his cultural roots, alongside his fascination with experimenting new genres, have led him to perform and record in interesting cross-cultural settings. Sura innovatively blends traditional kora music with other genres to create something truly unique, and has collaborated with renowned international musicians such as the great British-German violinist Maximilian Baillie, Chinese erhu player Ling Peng, Indian sitarist Purbayan Chatterjee, French jazz trumpeter Erik Truffaz, South African opera singer Pumeza, Spanish-Gambian band Africai and British multi-instrumentalist Pete Josef.

In late 2021, Sura took up a seven month residence performing at the world Expo 2020 in Dubai, excelling at weaving together the sounds of a diverse group of instrumentalists on the world stage, to showcase their unique musical traditions and promote harmony and diversity. This magical exploration of genres paved the way for Sura’s latest project with Indian sarod player Debasmita Bhattacharya, from Kolkata. Their 2024/2025 tour “Melodies Across Continents” transports the audience to a world of seamless fusion, curated by two individuals who both grew up with music at their very core, yet in opposite corners of the world, geographically and culturally.

Learn more about Melodies Across Continents

The Journey Through Time

1986 - Birth in The Gambia

Born into a family of griots, Sura Susso was immersed in the world of music and storytelling from a very young age.
1990 - Introduction to Music

At the age of four, Sura began learning the kora and other percussion instruments under the guidance of his father, Mamodou Susso, and his mother, Fatou Bintou Cissokho.
2002 - First Public Performance

Sura performed publicly for the first time at a local festival in The Gambia, showcasing his skills on the kora.
2004 - Move to the UK

At the age of seventeen, Sura moved to the UK to join his brother in the Seckou Keita Quintet, marking the beginning of his international music career.
2009 - Glastonbury Festival

Sura performed at the Glastonbury Festival, one of the most significant early highlights of his career, gaining him wider recognition.
2011 - Release of 'Sila Kang'

Sura released his debut album, 'Sila Kang,' which was met with critical acclaim and established him as a significant figure in world music.
2012 - Performance for the Queen

Sura played at the opening of the Manchester Eye Hospital in a performance attended by Queen Elizabeth II.
2018 - Glyndebourne Opera Collaboration

Sura participated in a unique collaboration at the Glyndebourne Opera, blending his traditional kora music with opera.
2021 - Release of 'Tila Saba'

His second album, 'Tila Saba,' was released, exploring deeper themes of time, heritage, and the future.
2023 - International Harp Festival

Performed at the International Harp Festival in Wales, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and innovative musician.
2024 - Tour with Debasmita Bhattacharya

Sura embarked on the "Melodies Across Continents" tour with Indian sarod player Debasmita Bhattacharya, a tour that highlights his ongoing commitment to cross-cultural musical exploration and collaboration.
Current - Global Music Ambassador

Today, Sura Susso is celebrated as a global music ambassador, known for his captivating performances and his role in promoting Gambian music and culture on the international stage.

The Kora: A Traditional African Harp

The kora, a traditional West African harp, is a cornerstone of Griot musical traditions and a primary instrument for Sura Susso. Characteristically made from a large calabash cut in half and covered with cow skin, the kora combines features of both a harp and a lute. It typically has 21 strings, but Sura’s kora boasts 22, the extra string added for luck, enhancing its melodic range.

Each string of the kora is made from nylon fishing line, offering a bright and resonant sound that carries both melody and accompaniment in performances. Traditionally, koras were tuned by adjusting leather tuning rings along the instrument's neck, a meticulous process that reflects the hands-on nature of its musicians. However, Sura’s kora is equipped with modern tuning keys, which allow for quicker and more precise adjustments, enabling him to explore a variety of musical keys with ease.

This unique instrument is not only a symbol of Sura’s musical heritage but also a bridge connecting the ancient sounds of The Gambia with contemporary music scenes across the globe. Through his mastery of the kora, Sura continues to enchant audiences, delivering performances that resonate with historical depth and innovative spirit.