“As long as the music is good and rocking, I’m fine with it,” said Seckou Keita, the legendary Senegal-born kora player who headlined the inaugural edition of Southampton’s Tapestry Festival last weekend.
The free music festival ran for two days and showcased artists including 18-year-old blues guitarist Muireann Bradley and traditional English folk group Goblin Band. Chatting to Erazer backstage after the show, Seckou reflected on his performance.
“I had a great time,” he said. “[It was] a lovely crowd with beautiful people. “David Jones is a good friend,” he added, referring to the festival programmer who helped put the lineup together, in collaboration with Southampton and Isle of Wight Music. “We’ve been working together for years.”
Because Seckou’s Homeland band had flown back to Senegal, he called in some old friends for a special quartet performance, especially for this year’s Tapestry Festival. The previous collaborators joining Seckou on stage were bassist Davide Mantovani, guitarist Ansumana Susso and percussionist Seydou Keinou. “I met Seydou two and a half years ago, when he was playing a special show,” Seckou said. “I never knew he was a drummer until we talked about it!”
From his Senegalese 8-piece Homeland Band to solo performances, Seckou is a versatile collaborator, working with musicians from all around the world. In September, he’ll be joining American banjo player Rhiannon Giddens, who features on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album, for a pair of shows in Dublin and London. “Rhiannon is a beautiful, amazing human being. She’s a great, talented artist. “I’m looking forward to it,” Seckou said about the gigs.
Seckou is one of the most famous kora players in the world, and coming from a musical family, he got his training in the art of the West-African instrument from his Grandad and Uncles. During his Southampton show, he spoke about the importance of supporting young musicians in a world with growing technology. “The digital world is accessible but also hard for some people who have to make money through it,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to look after young musicians. We are here to provide music but also leave a legacy. If we don’t support them, what will happen? They’re going to give up, which means there will be less good music coming out.”
As one of many acts from all over the world appearing at Tapestry Festival, Seckou said he liked the concept of the event. “I don’t go by categories of music. I always believe there are two types of music – good and not so good. Having all this music on one stage is the way it should be.”
Seckou will be among the acts performing at this weekend’s Latitude Festival, and he has concerts scheduled during the summer in Ireland. “We don’t stop. There’ll be a surprise soon,” he said when we asked about any new music. “Good music is food for my soul.”
