Seckou Keita Releases New Single ‘Simply Beautiful Miro' from Forthcoming Album ‘African Rhapsodies'

Seckou Keita releases his new track 'Simply Beautiful Miro' via Claves Records today, from the forthcoming album African Rhapsodies out May 26. The single features South African cellist, Abel Selaocoe, and kora player, percussionist, singer and composer, Suntou Susso, from The Gambia. These special guest soloists are the perfect protagonists to harness the excellence of the BBC Concert Orchestra and generate a new sound that only they and Seckou could create.

Seckou Keita explains the story behind the single:

“In this piece, I wanted the track to build slowly and leave a comforting, warm feeling. Miro means ‘thought’ in Mandinka. The song reminds us that whatever life throws at us, we all have the power to choose to have positive and beautiful thoughts. Choosing beautiful thinking on a daily basis makes challenges much easier to overcome and good moments even more enjoyable. The original melody is principally carried out by Abel’s cello here.”

The upcoming album, African Rhapsodies, (out Friday 26th of May) is an enchanting, kora-led work, enhanced by the power of The BBC Concert Orchestra. In this inspiring blend of African music with orchestral arrangements, the traditional West African 22-stringed harp takes pride of place perfectly where the violin, piano or flute may have been.  
A beautiful and engaging narrative is woven throughout the album. Each piece in African Rhapsodies charts its own individual story, cultivating a range of atmospheres and cinematic journeys.