A stunning innovator on the 22string kora, Seckou Keita embodies Singapore music festival's diversity

The Senegalese is one of world music's best-known kora players and a gifted drummer as well. He debuted internationally in 1996 and has recorded several albums since 2000.

His career goosed along by luminaries including Salif Keita and Youssou N'Dour, Keita has toured for the past five years with his own quintet, and it was in the midst of his latest trek that Daily Xpress made him put down the kora for a minute so we could talk.

What's happening in African music lately?

I've just come back from Senegal, where I accompanied master drummer Mamady Keita in this wonderful project we've decided to make an annual event there.

And I've just composed four songs that still need refining. I have so many projects in my head, but my work with the quintet and my drumming projects are my priority at the moment.

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