Multi-award winning musician Suntou Susso & the Gambian Superstars light up London with the flame of Mandinka heritage in debut UK concert.
 

Kora master Suntou Susso is joined by his all-Gambian ensemble, the Gambian Superstars, for their debut UK performance at London’s Kings Place on the 14th June. This concert celebrates Mandinka heritage and is part of the prestigious Songlines Encounters global music series which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year with a series of events throughout 2026.

 

 

 

Suntou Susso & the Gambian Superstars
Hall One, Kings Place 
Sunday 14 June, 2026 
Starting time: 3pm

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Suntou Susso & the Gambian Superstars are a perfect choice for Songlines Encounters concert series which is dedicated to “showcasing music from around the world, Songlines Encounters highlights cultural richness across continents and creates space for extraordinary international artists to be heard.”

Born into a 700-year-old griot lineage in The Gambia, Suntou Susso is both a guardian of Mandinka musical heritage and a compelling contemporary performer of the kora and vocalist. Suntou’s artistry bridges tradition and innovation. Blending kora, balafon, percussion, drums, bass, keys and saxophone, Suntou Susso and the Gambian Superstars perform an  electrifying fusion of Mandinka heritage with funk and jazz, creating a joyful, high-energy celebration of West African music.

For this special tour, Suntou is joined by his all-Gambian band alongside UK-based saxophonist Tomoya Forster. Kings Place audiences will be treated to a richly layered Afro-Manding sound shaped by musicians steeped in this tradition since childhood. As Suntou Susso says,

"This concert means so much. It´ll be the very first time The Superstars have played in the UK. Bringing them to the UK and performing together to London audiences is an amazing feeling. To do it at a prestigious venue, and to be chosen by Songlines is an honour.” 

Their music moves from intricate kora-led melodies and hypnotic balafon patterns to deep rhythmic grooves and exuberant ensemble passages, blending West African folk roots with elements of funk and jazz. The result is a vibrant, immersive performance that is at once deeply traditional and thrillingly contemporary.

Touring his award-winning album Jaliya Silokang: The Path of a Griot, Suntou celebrates the enduring role of the griot as storyteller, historian and cultural guide in today’s world. This rare gathering of master musicians offers audiences an unforgettable encounter with the living energy, virtuosity and communal spirit of Mandinka music.

 

Suntou Susso & the Gambian Superstars extensive summer and autumn UK tour:

Kings Place London (14 June)

The Stables in Milton Keynes (26 June)

the inaugural WOMAD Glasgow (03 July)

Lancashire’s Seek Out Festival (25 July)

Warwick Folk Festival (26 July)

West Midlands The Magpie’s Festival (15 Aug)

Dorset’s Purbeck Valley Folk Festival (22 August)

Penzance’s The Acorn Theatre (03 Sept)

More dates are being added to this tour and all shows are available suntoususso.com/shows

 

 

Suntou Susso & the Gambian Superstars

Suntou Susso - kora and vocals

Alasana Faal – bass and guitar

Sheikh Juke Tijan – drums

Alhagie Leigh – keys

Mustapha Ceesay – percussion

Ansumana Suso – balafon and guitar

Ida Cham – backing vocals

 

 

“Jaliya Silokang - The Path of a Griot”... is Susso’s second album and beautifully captures the irrepressible joy of his live performance.” Songlines

“Suntou Susso’s music brings nothing but good vibes as it combines the rich, traditional sound of his West-African Mandinka culture with Afro funk and soul” Successors of the Mandingue

“Virtuoso of the Griot form and the kora.“ Monolith Cocktail

"Suntou is addressing ... contemporary issues in asking, "What does it mean to be a griot in today´s complex, technology-driven and climate threatened world?"
 RnR Magazine

“contemporary griot sound… celebrating heritage, culture, and environmental responsibility.” Folk & Honey

“If you love African music, you will love this!” A World In London, DJ Ritu

“A deeply personal exploration of identity, heritage, and cultural legacy.”
Los Sonidos del Planeta Azul

“An intercultural soundscape and a beautiful journey from The Gambia to the distant world.” Era Jazzu

"Traditional griot storytelling through a contemporary musical lens." Music in Africa

“Susso has been inspired by both old and new. The style can be described as a kind of folk music with influences of soul, jazz and funk.” LIRA

"Suntou Susso’s work respects history while acknowledging the complexity and dynamism of today’s musical landscape. Highly recommended.” Jazz in Europe

“He transcends the boundaries of folk, soul, jazz, funk and traditional kora music, and his fetching clear voice and amazing instrument works wonders” FolkWales

 

 

Suntou Susso

 https://suntoususso.com/shows