Miro (2012)

De nummer één in de Europese wereldmuziekcharts, begin 2013. "Seckou Keita lives in Nottingham, but was born into a griot family in the south of Senegal, where he was taught kora and percussion by his grandfather and uncles. He's a fine instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, and his distinctive, gently driving style is influenced both by his West African roots and international travels. So on the opening track "Rewmi" ('country'), his fluid, rippling kora work is matched by sturdy backing from Cuban bass player Michel "Pata" Salazar, guitars and calabash, and insistent vocals from Keita, Mariama Kouyate and his sister Binta Suso, while the song itself is a call for unity that was popular in Senegal during the elections earlier this year. Elsewhere, he shows off his instrumental work on the drifting instrumental Distance, and is joined by flamenco singer Inma "La Carbonera" for the passionate flamenco-kora workout, "Hino". A classy, often gently mesmeric set." (Robin Denselow, The Guardian; 4 uit 5 sterren)