A treat for world music fans

RENOWNED Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita has been confirmed to perform in Shetland later this year.

The musician will take to the stage at Mareel in Lerwick on 31 October.

Keita is a master of the kora – a 22-stringed West African harp – and his recent albums Miro and The Silimbo Passage both reached the top of the European world music charts.

The musician’s latest record 22 Strings was released in May and it delves into the idea of being a global citizen while living with centuries of tradition through music.

The Guardian called the album a “charming and elegant set” with “sturdy melodies”.

Welsh musician poet and writer Gwyneth Glyn meanwhile will provide support on the night at Mareel.

Shetland Arts marketing manager Lauren Doughton said the organisation is “delighted” with the booking.

“There is a very healthy world music scene here in Shetland, and we are sure that this will prove to be a very popular concert,” she said.

Tickets to see Seckou Keita at Mareel will go on sale via Shetland Box Office from Friday.