Manding Melody

How do you create a fresh modern take on something as traditional as Manding culture? Afterall, it’s been around for a millennium and takes in many tribes under the vast West African empire.

This requires special forces to bring something new to the table. Kora player, Sura Susso achieves this by leading a skilful collaboration of cross-generational musicians from Senegal, Mali and The Gambia, including Mali’s redoubtable troubadour and guitarist Habib Koité.

Think of the ground breaking collaboration Ali & Toumani between Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabaté as a departure point, then add singers, balafon, percussion and bass to glimpse the splendour of Manding Melody.