Seckou is descended from the famous founder and ruler of Mali, Sundiata Keita, the family of kings. Traditionally the musicians of Mali (the jali), would entertain the royal family by conveying epic stories through song. They would also act as advisors and mediators.

Throughout history it has not been easy for people who are not jalis to be accepted into the music profession. Seckou was brought up by his mother's family (the Cissokho's) in Senegal and inherited his jali or griot (fr.) tradition through her.
From the age of three and whilst at school, his family taught him to play the Kora and Djembe and how to sing. From members of other families he also learnt to play the Bougarabou (set of 4 drums), Tama (talking drum), and Sabarr (drum played with hand and stick).
Hear some of his songs on the RealAudio page

Seckou has recently been recording some of his songs at the March Hare Studio and his new album "Baiyo", co-produced by Martin Cradick, is available from our web shop
In 2001 he collaborated with Martin Cradick and Nii Tagoe on a new project, "EtE"