Seckou Keita returned to the island, with his koras, smiles and magic. A privilege, I felt, deep in my heart, as his hands began to weave the most ethereal sounds out of those 22 strings, fisher’s, musician’s dream. The man has a story to tell, fingers & voice to unleash. To listen to him and his beautiful vibes from Casamance, Senegal, blended with hints of nomadic spirit from his native Africa to Wales, is a delight. A joy to treasure in your heart. If you have not yet discovered his art, please, go find it!
To listen to the magician live remains a privilege.
With grateful thanks to Shetland Arts for bringing Seckou, as well as Gwyneth to the island. Magic moment tonight.
What a fabulous way to slide from Hairst – the harvest season – to the start of winter. Happy Samhain, everyone đ
And in response to his great show at Lerwick’s Art Centre, Mareel, a short poem woven from his music.
Fisherman’s Strings
Hear his fingers on stretched nylon –
Calebasse-skin from
Casamance,
each note travels through
waves & wind,
inside his heart shines Sénégal,
his grand father’s wisdom
so sharp,
the
taste of
dust South of his dreams;
his father’s eyes
locked inside
his,
travelling chords of he-nomad,
toute la souffrance des
harpistes.
© Nat Hall 2015