Offering a contemporary edge grounded in ancestral wisdom, Jaliya Silokang—The Path of a Griot is more than an album; it’s a bridge between generations and continents. The original compositions are rooted in Afro-Manding style with polyrhythms, spark influences from folk, jazz and funk. This contemporary griot song book by Suntou Susso resonates powerful messages of personal responsibility—to each other and to the world. Jaliya Silokang shows Suntou Susso’s full strength as a musician, singer and griot with song narratives that promote diversity, cultural connection, acceptance and kindness through music. These are the teachings of griots.
Jaliya Silokang is an international soundscape, a sonic journey from Gambia to the UK and beyond. Recorded in Senegal and the UK, the album features a mighty cast of 24 musicians from 10 countries. These include critically acclaimed guests, ‘The Hendrix of the Sahara’, Vieux Farka Touré, Ghanaian superstar K.O.G. and Suntou Susso’s sister, acclaimed vocalist, Binta Suso.
Rooted in his 700-year-old West African griot lineage, the album is a deeply personal exploration of identity, heritage, and cultural legacy. Sung in Mandinka, his mother tongue, the album’s lyrics are thought-provoking and uplifting — weaving together the voices of elders and the youth.
Suntou Susso consciously chose “Yirolu Bala” (Within the Trees) as the first single on Jaliya Silokang with its soulful call to protect our planet. Its narrative was inspired by and closely aligns with the work of Green-Up Gambia, an independent organisation whose primary objective is to educate the younger generation on the issues of climate change, deforestation and desertification through active tree planting and environmental issues. “Yirolu Bala” derives from an old Mandinka proverb: “The Earth’s wellbeing is within the trees”.
Suntou Susso shares his vision for this new musical project: “It’s about Jaliya—it’s about being a Griot. With this album I wanted to communicate to the young generation in terms of the environmental message and our culture, the importance of preserving it, and want the role of a Griot to be recognised for its important role during these crises. I have given it all my best as a young Griot, to make a change and inspire young people, and protect the planet we live on.”
Suntou Susso’s primary instrument, the kora is a 22-stringed harp-lute, traditional to the Susso family and central to the griot tradition. As a guardian of the griot tradition and bold innovator of the future, Suntou Susso leads with the question: what does it mean to be a griot in today’s complex, technology-driven and climate-threatened world?
The 10 tracks weave a tapestry exploring different segments of life to unravel this question. In songs like the exhilarating “Jaliya” and “Joulou Fola” (a spirited collaboration with Vieux Farka Touré, son of the late, great Ali Farka Touré), Suntou celebrates Griot heritage, the power of music and the teachings and blessings of the ancestors.
“Badinya” honours the sweetness and importance of family. “Tamala” offers a moving solo-kora meditation on life as a travelling musician living out his purpose, while “Barro” is a migration anthem, paying tribute to those who journey and work tirelessly to give their families a better life.
Suntou Susso reimagines an ancient song on “Jula Jekereh”, dedicated to a generous trader, and on “Jangfa” and “Lannaya”, Suntou celebrates values of trust, integrity, love and mutual respect. Ghanaian’s much-loved creative, K.O.G. is a special guest on “Lannaya”. And finally, “Jangfajang Kano” is a song about enduring long-distance love—a sacrifice made to walk the path.
Jaliya Silokang portrays the relevance of Griot teachings extending far beyond their ancient West-African roots. The whole world could do with a little more peace, acceptance and care. This new music is not just a tribute to the ancestors; it is a call to action. It carries their wisdom forward while demanding that we listen, awaken, and take ownership of the future. It challenges each of us to honour the past not just with reverence, but with responsibility—to become the ancestors that future generations will thank.
This new 10-track album marks a powerful milestone in Suntou Susso’s — a sonic journey from Gambia to the UK and beyond. The making of Jaliya Silokang: The Path of a Griot was supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and Help Musicians.
Jaliya Silokang – The Path of a Griot releases independently & internationally on November 7th 2025 a milestone in Suntou Susso’s — a sonic journey from Gambia to the UK and beyond. The making of Jaliya Silokang: The Path of a Griot was supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and Help Musicians.