Suntou Susso and the Gambian Superstars to play Seek Out Festival in the Gisburn Forest

Susso, a singer and composer, performs with an ancient West African instrument called the Kora, a 22-string harp made of mahogany wood and decorated with intricate carvings and beadwork. The strings of the Kora were traditionally made of thin strips of hide, from antelope and cows, and is believed to be one of the most difficult musical instruments in the world to master.

“When I play the Kora, I’m representing a 700-year-old culture and to have that connection to my ancestors is a deep experience,” said

Susso, who brings his band the Gambian Super Stars to the Gisburn Forest festival near Clitheroe from July 24-26.

“The Kora makes a soft, enchanting and melodic sound. And when people hear it for the first time, they are often amazed and say

that they are entranced by it.”

There is a powerful family tradition too. His father Jali Mamuduo Susso and his brothers are all masters of the Kora craft and play professionally worldwide.

“My Dad has a photograph of me crawling across the floor as a toddler and plucking the strings of the Kora, so that was my destiny,” says Susso. Susso says the inspiration for his music comes from nature and the environment.

“I’m from the tradition of the Griot culture in Gambia who were storytellers, peacekeepers and advisors, so my music is very

instinctive. Whether I’m in green spaces, listening to birdsong or trees swaying in the wind or the hustle and bustle of city life – that’s when I connect with creativity and melodies come to me.

“I explore the contemporary issues like climate change and population migration.”

It is a coup for the Seek Out organisers to land Suntou Susso and the Gambian Superstars who took last year’s Glastonbury festival by storm.

“I played a show at Sunbird Records in Darwen in May,” added Susso. “When I was driving in, I saw a sign ‘Welcome to Darwen: twinned withLamin (A town in Gambia). couldn’t believe it, a place I know so well. I had no idea.

“It can be a small world sometimes, but music connects us all.”

The new Futures’ Stage has allowed Seek Out to be able to double the size of the festival this year. “Thanks to the Arts Council England

grassroots funding, we’ve been able to add an extra stage, a dedicated platform built to spotlight and support the best emerging musical talent,” said Judy Evans, a spokesperson for the Seek Out festival.

Artists confirmed to play Seek Out include La Securitie from Montreal, Blind Yeo from Cornwall, electro wizard Danalogue, Naima Bock, Brown Wimpenny, Lo Vu, Dull and The Kitchen Sink Band.

Seek Out music and arts festival – supported by Makin Lightin, Clitheroe, The Grand, Forestry England and Creative Lancashire.

Tickets and information from www.seekoutfestival.co.uk. Camping is also available on the site.