For countless generations the Griots have the kept the history of the Mandingo tribe through music & poetry. Griots are masters of the most authentic African string instrument called The Kora - also known as the African Harp.
Jali Denbo Susso - Seikou's father
Seikou was born in 1964 in Sukuta Nanie in The Gambia. He is directly descended from a long line of Griots. As a boy he followed his father Jaliba Denbo Susso in the family tradition of learning to sing and play Kora as a Griot. As a small boy Seikou would accompany his father on all his Griot outings performing music and poetry.
His early musical training was learnt sitting beside his father. Seikou was encouraged to keep time with the music by tapping on the calabash - the gourd which makes up the back body of the instrument.
His mother is also from a Griot family the "Kuyatehs", Her name is Hagar Jal-fill Kuyateh. Seikou has a brother and sister. His sister Debar Susso, is a well known singer in West Africa.
Mandinga folklore says that all Griots have magical powers.
One being that Crocadiles won't bite Griots.
Seikou demonstrates the legend.
As a young man Seiko's skill as a performer took him to many places. He performed in tourist hotels, gatherings of elders and community events such as marriages and naming ceremonies. Seiko represented his country at festivals and to promote tourism for his country in Helsinki and in Vienna.
In 1991, he came to England and has worked with musicians of many other cultures. Seikou finds this experience very stimulating. He's adapted his music to play with other instruments such as piano, violins, harp, cello and keyboard.