Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music and who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?
I was born a musician. I come from a family of musicians. My family are Griots. This means, in our culture back in West Africa, our role within society is to be peacekeepers, teachers, historians – using music and song. It’s in my blood and I was taught from the age of 4. My father taught me, his father taught him and so on and so on, for over 700 years. Because of this, my father and my ancestors are my main source of inspiration.
What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?
COVID! It was a stressful time. All my work was cancelled. Not being able to perform felt like a part of me was missing. I didn’t know what to do. I had already started recording an album which had to ground to a halt. I did learn to use the time to write the remainder of my album and eventually we were able to record the rest.
Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?
I released my debut album in 2022. I composed, arranged and produced the whole thing myself and I’m really proud of it. I got to record with my Dad for the album and many other amazing musicians. I just love to travel, collaborate and perform.
Which particular works/composers do you think you perform best?
Other than my original music, I perform the traditional kora music from West African Griot culture. I am from The Gambia and Senegal, born a griot. We are historians, preserving our culture through song so we have hundreds of traditional songs that tell our story and tell of our identity. They are beautiful songs that also promote peace, love and respect. I was taught them growing up from my father and other Griots from generations above. Here is an example of two traditional songs that I sing together in this performance:
What do you do off stage that provides inspiration on stage?
Walking. Either in nature, or going to town and being around people. The majority of my new compositions come to me when I’m walking.
What is your most memorable concert experience?
Concerts I have performed with my Dad. We have performed together in Gambia many times. Playing alongside my Dad is the greatest feeling, it’s very powerful. The same applies to when I play with any of my family members.
As a musician, what is your definition of success?
To me, it’s fulfilling the purpose of a Griot and following the path of my ancestors. Travelling and spreading the message of peace, love and respect. That is what success means to me.
What advice would you give to young/aspiring musicians?
Learn about your musical traditions, keep tradition alive. And then explore other cultures, and collaborate, and keep culture alive and relevant. It’s a beautiful way in to connection and respect.
What’s the one thing in the music industry we’re not talking about which you think we should be?
Even though everyone is talking about it, I still think we have a long way to go in improving the diversity within the music industry. Opportunities need to be made available to young people and then avenues to continue as we grow.
What’s next? Where would you like to be in 10 years?
I want to be continuing my work in spreading the culture and its values and messages. I want the kora to be more widely recognised.
Suntou Susso is performing at NW Live Arts Soundings from the Planet in whic musicians from different cultures come together to consider the impact of climate change in an evocative programme of music by Bach, Bartok and Messiaen, free improvisation, new composition and music from West Africa and South Korea. Soundings from the Planet takes place on 23 November at Kings Place, London. More information
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