Seckou Keita is noted as a virtuoso of the kora, a West African instrument resembling the harp with 21 strings arranged on either side of a neck connected to a gourd, in Keita’s case highly decorated. The Homeland Band refers to his latest album,Homeland Chapter 1,and, though the overwhelming impression of this exhilarating concert was of the sounds of West Africa, Keita was concerned with homeland in a wider sense: what is home to him, Nottingham or Senegal or just where he happens to be performing that night?
His wider concerns showed in the texts that were performed, pre-recorded, at the start of each half: Bienvenue, translated from the French and performed by Yussuf Diallo from Sierra Leone, accompanied by kora and drums only, and, most particularly, Deportation Blues, relating to UK policy and written and performed by Hannah Lowe.
The second number up, Home Sweet Home, introduced us to the remarkable singer Korka Dieng whose powerful vocal prepared us for an evening of call and response to Keita, wordless accompaniment to his vocals and, on the third number of the second set (possibly Nay Rafet) something very close to American blues shouting. Her infectious personality linked up perfectly with Keita’s and, were it not that the event involved ticketed seats (much to the relief of your elderly reviewer), the outbreak of dancing could have reached epidemic proportions!
And the band was clearly hand-picked. Mouctar Diongue is a drummer of unusual power and the subtlety to combine with percussionist Dialy Kemo Cissokho in incredible drum duets. Likewise guitarist Moustapha Gaye and bassist Modou Gueye, building to a mighty climax, both as a duo and, in Gaye’s case, with Keita’s kora. That only leaves the accomplished keyboard player Moussa Ngom. But best of all was the layered texture of the whole band playing, getting a hold of the audience and never letting go.
The music was a mix of mainly West African melodies and rhythms with some unexpected European touches. Chaque Jour obviously related to Senegal’s French past, but seemed also to contain echoes of Spain, an impression reinforced by Alhambra, an instrumental piece featuring virtuoso kora which, together with the odd Spanish tinge, mainly restored the Alhambra’s African heritage.
Seckou Keita, ever-smiling, inspired the whole evening with his spirited vocals and his brilliant kora playing: it wasn’t necessary to have the technical expertise to understand his skill to enjoy the surprisingly bright sound of the kora, his dexterity in manipulating the instrument and the way in which he integrated it with largely European instruments.
Reviewed on 7th November 2024. On tour throughout the UK.
The Reviews Hub Score
Exhilarating!
