Seckou Keita (b. 1978, Ziguinchor, Senegal) is a kora player from the Casamance region of southern Senegal. Through his father he descends from the Malian Keita royal line; through his mother, daughter of griot kora master Jali Kemo Cissokho, he descends from a griot family. He is internationally known for his partnership with Welsh harpist Catrin Finch — the two met in 2012 when Keita substituted for Toumani Diabaté on a tour after Diabaté was unable to leave Mali — resulting in acclaimed albums including Clychau Dibon.

Mood and energy: cross-cultural, delicate, contemplative. Recommended uses: reflection, meditation.

Sacred Ground Confidence Score: 4 out of 5 stars   Final recommendation: Approved.

Why this artist belongs in Sacred Sounds: A kora master from a lesser-represented regional repertoire (Casamance) whose cross-cultural harp/kora collaborations are widely used as contemplative listening.