Seckou Keita Seckou Keita believes that music can make a difference. Brought up by a traditional Griot family in the region of Casamance in southern Senegal, he began his musical training as a kora player at a very early age. A kora is built from a large bottle gourd that is cut in half and covered with cow skin to make a resonator. It has a notched bridge. An engaging instrument, the sound represents that of a harp. Known as the "Jimmy Hendrix of the kora," Keita has been touring internationally for the past 12 years and has been fundraising for the ICRC since 2010 At TEDxRC², Keita performs a mellow and moving solo kora piece, as well as an upbeat tune with his younger sister and Gambian vocalist, Binta Suso. The two are currently working on Seckou's new album, "Distance," for release in 2012, along with his brothers and special guests. Together, they offer a unique take on modern, West African music that is firmly rooted in the story-telling tradition that has been passed down in their family for generations. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
12 дек 2011
