Gambia: Suntou Susso reimagines griot tradition on new album Jaliya Silokang

Born into a long line of griot musicians, Susso continues a family tradition that includes renowned West African artists such as Seckou Keita, Solo Cissokho and Mamudou Susso. His latest work blends the ancestral teachings of the griot with global sounds, featuring Afro-Manding rhythms infused with elements of folk, jazz and funk.

The 10-track album features 24 musicians from 10 countries, including celebrated collaborators such as Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré, Ghanaian artist K.O.G. and vocalist Binta Suso, Suntou’s sister.

Sung in Mandinka, Jaliya Silokang – The Path of a Griot explores themes of identity, cultural heritage and collective responsibility. Its lyrics highlight the importance of connection, acceptance and kindness, values central to the griot tradition that has shaped West African oral history for over seven centuries.

The album’s lead single, ‘Yirolu Bala’ (Within the Trees), reflects Susso’s environmental concerns and draws inspiration from the Mandinka proverb, “The Earth’s wellbeing is within the trees.” The track aligns with the work of Green-Up Gambia, an organisation focused on climate education and reforestation initiatives.

Speaking about the project, Susso said his aim was to engage young people with messages about culture and the environment:

“With this album I wanted to communicate to the young generation about the importance of preserving our culture and protecting the planet we live on. The role of a griot is to inspire, educate and make a difference.”

The kora, a 22-stringed harp-lute central to the Susso family’s musical heritage, remains at the heart of the album’s sound. Through Jaliya Silokang – The Path of a Griot, Susso seeks to reflect on what it means to be a griot in a fast-changing, technology-driven and environmentally fragile world.

Jaliya Silokang – The Path of a Griot will be released independently and internationally, followed by a launch concert at London’s 229 venue on 12 November 2025. The project was supported by Arts Council England and Help Musicians through National Lottery funding.