Suntou Susso + Ellen Beth Abdi

Suntou Susso

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 - 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 well-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.

Collaborations to date include:

Celebrated jazz singer Sarah-Jane Morris, Guitarist Tony Remy - Ronnie Scotts, Ghazalaw -Indian-Welsh fusion project on BBC Radio 2, 3 and 6, Davide Mantovani, Kora and Modern Jazz fusion, Opera singer Pumeza Matshikiza - performing on ITV's This Morning.

Ellen Beth Abdi

Mancunian music-maker Ellen Beth Abdi uses live loops, pokey drums, undulating synths and quietly subversive lyrics to mould her unique sound. A graduate from Royal Northern College of Music, Ellen's music has been described as ‘Potent and lyrical electronic soul with a social conscience.'