Suntou Susso & Band

Celebrated across Africa and Europe, Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist: kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia. The kora is a 22 string harp-lute, a rare and enchanting instrument. Born into the 700-year-old Griot tradition, Suntou performs his role as a historian, storyteller, and unifier of people through song, everywhere he goes and every time he gets on stage.

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.

Suntou Susso – KANÉFONYO (Never Give Up) Album Tour

Suntou Susso’s music brings nothing but good vibes as it combines the rich, traditional sound of his West-African Mandinka culture with Afro funk and soul.

2022 saw the release of Suntou’s debut album, KANÉFONYO (Never Give Up), entirely self-written, composed, and arranged, and which Suntou is now taking on tour!

Expect an intimate, energetic and powerful show as Suntou and his band take you on multiple journeys: to the sunshine of Africa; his culture; and through the album’s messages of love, peace, equality and persistence in the face of adversity.

‘It’s an album that needed to be made *****’ – Tim Tyson Short, 360 Degree Radio Show

Collaborations to date

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.

A key member of Norway-based ‘Kristin Asbjornsen Trio‘, he co-composed and recorded a successful album, 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 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 this knowledge on to the next generation including Project African Experience for Black History Month.

Doors open at 7.30pm.

Licensed bar.

The Coach & Horses, which is a stone’s throw from the Parish Rooms is available for pre-concert suppers from 6pm.