Late Night Jazz – Jally Kebba Susso

Forging a new trajectory of sound for the kora (West African harp), Gambian musician Jally Kebba skilfully blends traditional repertoire into a heady jazz concoction that is immediately accessible and uplifting, and yet filled with nuances and intoxicating rhythmical layers that give the music depth and intrigue.

Expanding the boundaries of kora traditions, Jally Kebba Susso blends West African music with jazz, funk and sounds from London’s underground music scene. Ten years ago he formed his band Manding Sabu, and has since released two albums of original compositions – Banjul-London (2017) and Malaye Warr (2012) while gigging extensively.

Precision, speed and a merciless energy characterise the group’s style of performing, making them solid crowd-pullers at festivals such as Wilderness, Shambala and Secret Garden Party.