A performance of African music in memory of all victims of genocide, given by the world-famous Seckou Keita.

Seckou Keita, a celebrated Kora virtuoso from Southern Senegal, has redefined the instrument’s possibilities, earning him the nickname “the Hendrix of the Kora”. With 12 acclaimed albums and multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards to his name, he has left a lasting impact on the music world. His latest project, African Rhapsodies, a collaboration with the BBC Concert Orchestra, showcases his innovative fusion of Kora and symphonic music, alongside talents like South African cellist Abel Sealocoe and Gambian percussionist Suntou Susso.

Performing all over the globe as a solo artist and with his ground-breaking quintet, he has captivated audiences at WOMAD, Hay, Glastonbury, Tokyo Jazz, Chicago World Music Festival, Sydney International, Montreal Jazz Festivals and many more places. He is well known for his collaboration with the Welsh harpist Catrin Finch and for his membership of the remarkable Spell Songs band.

Seckou has released eleven albums and has earned numerous accolades, including BBC Musician of the Year in 2019. “I don’t know if I’m a folk musician or a jazz or a world one.” he said at the time, “Forget about categories. My music is just music for the soul.”

This is a unique opportunity to welcome this giant of the musical world to Berwick whilst also honouring all who have died in genocide. A portion of the income from the concert will, at Seckou’s request, be given to the Red Cross, a charity that is active in many places of conflict, including Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan.