TEDxRC2 - Seckou Keita and Binta Susso - A Modern Take on Traditional Sounds from West Africa

Seckou Keita

Seckou Keita believes that music can make a difference. Brought up by a traditional Griot family in the region of Casamance in southern Senegal, he began his musical training as a kora player at a very early age. 

A kora is built from a large bottle gourd that is cut in half and covered with cow skin to make a resonator. It has a notched bridge. An engaging instrument, the sound represents that of a harp. Known as the "Jimmy Hendrix of the kora," Keita has been touring internationally for the past 12 years and has been fundraising for the ICRC since 2010

At TEDxRC², Keita performs a mellow and moving solo kora piece, as well as an upbeat tune with his younger sister and Gambian vocalist, Binta Suso. The two are currently working on Seckou's new album, "Distance," for release in 2012, along with his brothers and special guests. Together, they offer a unique take on modern, West African music that is firmly rooted in the story-telling tradition that has been passed down in their family for generations.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@Khalima2012]

beautiful...I am of African descent living in U.S.A. this has moved my spirit within

[@rimun5235]

Same, I have been listening to lot of traditional story telling and I am missing home dearly.

[@neilsarath9812]

Good luck living in that hate filled country.

[@jeanniegichigi2765]

Its Ancient, its modern; Its modern, its Ancient! Timeless Totally!! Thank you Mama Afrika for being there for us through our trials and tribulations! Here you are in a Song through Seckou Keita and Binta Susso! I cant stop listening to this, all of it but especially the second piece with Binta Susso, the Ying and Yang in the son is incredibly healing: I am so so so grateful having come across this piece of music!: O h my Godliness!

[@jeanniegichigi2765]

oh my Sekou Keita and the beautiful Binta Susso! O my, you hsvr lifted me to a new height with you music! Beautiful and incredible are not enough to ex[ress the enormity of this feeling!!!... Thank u !!!!!

[@bidiHumbidi]

Sublime sounds ... medicine music

[@momotraor6475]

GOD bless you Brother Sekou !!!

[@neilsarath9812]

Beautiful Binta. ❤️❤️

[@sadanmorykeita8834]

La cora est un instrument des chefs guerriers, elle transmet un message de la victoire après un affront avec d'autres combattants, je l'adore beaucoup parmi tant d'autres instruments

[@decruzyserao6994]

This is so deeply moving, so beautiful, thank you 💕

[@fabiodosreis528]

Beautiful.... divine presence.

[@atlantic205]

Lovely message through the best Keita and Suso. Love 💕 both

[@gailostendorf7836]

Wonderful performance. So tender.

[@silvermans]

Beautiful

[@boltonserunjogimusic]

beautiful

[@marciaoliveira7879]

Oh.. my god°!! is very beautiful song❤🎶

[@Prunesqualler]

Mesmerizing

[@sistaanne1297]

Magnifique duo de voix de musique merci merci merci

[@agnieszkacieslar6826]

beautiful ☺🌸

[@neilsarath9812]

Masha Allah. 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@rogerantonybennett5272]

Delicious....

[@atletv-ourstories9425]

Nice music

[@suispasracistetalibee4947]

Nice frère bonne continuation

[@ymearth]

💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@Archaon_SFT]

No entiendo nada pero te hace sentir en casa

[@atletv-ourstories9425]

I would like to feature you on our ATLE T

[@fakolydoumbia4573]

Mansa Fakoly say thanks...mandengue is so big

[@Morrikunda]

Very

[@Morrikunda]

Binta was my classmate with bro Sura Susso too.

[@alfatihmoussaali3872]

I m african...thanks for that

[@neilsarath9812]

Are we not all African. Greetings from Liverpool.

[@rosangelamaria6712]

nego lindu!!

[@technerdbird]

PLAY FREE BIRD