Exciting times in the Susso Kunda camp. As the live music scene has been in suspension during COVID-19 Jally felt the urgency to innovate, seeking to further develop his solo afro-electronic kora sound – to be fresher and of higher quality.
So thankfully, Jally was a successful recipient of Arts Council England funding to support this process and has been able to dedicate three months of focused song-writing with mentorship on kora, vocal techniques and electronic production.
The Developing your Creative Practice (DYCP) supports the development of independent cultural and creative practitioners and gives individuals the opportunity to take a dedicated period of time to focus on their own cultural and creative development, and take them to the next stage in their practice.
At the time of writing (July 2021) Jally Kebba is in Gambia, practicing kora instrumentation and vocal techniques with well-respected musicians among the four main kora playing families in Gambia.
The funding has also enabled the investment in a zero-feedback pickup system specifically designed for the kora and an upgraded loop pedal station, to improve sound quality.
And on return to UK, Jally will be in the studio working with UK producer Tom Excell (Onipa, The Turbans, Nubiyan Twist) to develop skills in studio production towards more independence in recording and producing Jally’s own material.
“I have spent my adult life in UK, developing music for live audiences with my band. I now wish to dedicate an extended period of writing and learning in Gambia to creatively incubate new ideas to build a wider audience and diversify non-touring income streams.”
