Homeland - Chapter 1 (2024)

""Homeland" is peppered with guest artists, and the whole thing is a beautiful, celebration of life and place. The very spirit and scope on display epitomises Seckou’s approach to music as an art form inviting everybody to connect with it. Seckou packs a lot into these twelve tracks and thirty-five minutes, resulting in a lean and sharp set. There is a lot to unpack here; Seckou is a generous musician, and with "Homeland", he treats us to many cultures, sounds and musical styles. A point of note, however, is that at the beating heart of the album is the kora, a West African harp-lute. Having been born into the griot tradition (a West African bard or storyteller) and trained by his grandfather and uncles from the age of seven, it is fitting that "Homeland" begins and ends with pieces in the griot style. It’s clear from this wonderful first chapter that Seckou is here to take us on a musical journey and it’s one I would urge you to join. Music this joyous and full of pathos is irresistible." (Klof magazine)