On Monday, the 24th of March, The Jazz Cafe in Camden welcomes Suntou and Mamudou Susso, a father-and-son duo bringing the rich tradition of the kora to London. This performance is a journey through centuries of Mandinka griot heritage, blending ancestral storytelling with fresh, contemporary energy.

The kora, a 22-string harp-lute, has been central to West African music for generations, carrying both melody and rhythm in a way that feels almost otherworldly. Mamudou Susso, a master of the instrument, has spent decades sharing Gambian music with the world. A former member of Ifang Bondi, one of West Africa’s most influential Afro-fusion bands, he helped introduce traditional Mandinka repertoire to international audiences. His son, Suntou Susso, is shaping the next chapter of this legacy. A gifted multi-instrumentalist and singer, he blends traditional kora playing with elements of jazz, funk, and soul, breathing new life into an ancient musical form. Since releasing his debut album, Kanéfonyo (Never Give Up), in 2022, Suntou has gained recognition for his dynamic performances and collaborations with a range of artists.

Together, their performance is a dialogue between generations—Mamudou’s deep, earthy phrasing providing a steady foundation, while Suntou’s improvisational spirit pushes the kora into uncharted territory. Their sound flows effortlessly between intricate, meditative passages and vibrant, driving rhythms, creating a hypnotic and deeply immersive atmosphere.

Opening the night is Abdoulaye Samb, a London-based Senegalese guitarist and singer whose sound is a rich blend of Fula and Wolof traditions, infused with the fluidity of jazz and blues. His band, aptly named Minnjiaraby—meaning “the love of cultural mixing” in Wolof—embodies this fusion, carrying echoes of desert blues, mbalax, and folk storytelling.

Samb’s intricate fingerpicking and warm, percussive melodies evoke the landscapes of Senegal, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted and borderless. His original music reflects his travels, collaborations, and research across Africa and Europe, blending traditional Senegalese music with European influences. Abdoulaye’s performances are known for their sincerity and energy, offering audiences an intimate experience of West African music at its most authentic and dynamic.

The iconic setting of the Jazz Cafe will only amplify the depth of this music. Expect a night where rhythm and melody intertwine, where the past and the present coexist in every note, and where the voices of griots—keepers of history and tradition—are given the space to resonate. Whether you are a longtime lover of West African music or new to the sound of the kora, this will be a rare opportunity to experience its magic up close.

The show is part of Suntou and Mamudou Susso’s UK-wide tour, which kicks off in Brighton on 21st March and concludes in Bristol on 4th May…

Check out all the dates of Suntou & Mamudou Susso: Father & Son Tour HERE
Get your ticket/s for the London stop-over at The Jazz Cafe on Monday, 24/03 HERE