ONE of the great legendary names of West African music, Malian guitarist Habib Koité performs at Turner Sims tonight ( Friday October 20).
Koité comes from a noble line of Khassonké griots; traditional troubadours who provide wit, wisdom and musical entertainment at social gatherings and special events. While many griots are strict traditionalists, Koité honours and expands on his heritage, singing in multiple languages and encompassing many Malian melodies and rhythms. His gig at Turner Sims will explores the happiness of roots with music from his latest release, Soô (‘home’ in English) which focuses on life at home in Mali, surrounded by friends and family.
Support comes from the creative, versatile and talented kora player and percussionist, Sura Susso. Hailing from a traditional Griot family in Gambia, West Africa, he is the son of Mamudou Susso and Fatou Binta Cissokho, well-respected musicians in their own right, and the younger brother of accompished kora player. With music from his debut album Sila Kang, Sura’s exquisite musicianship is not to be missed.
Turner Sims, University Of Southampton, SO17 1BJ Box Office 023 8059 5151 turnersims.co.uk
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