Additional Information
Nuits d’Afrique is kicking off 2025 on a high note with an incredible treat for us: Omar Sosa and Seckou Keita’s SUBA Trio, joined by the phenomenal percussionist Gustavo Ovalles. Afro-Cuban jazz, West African vibes, and breathtaking improvisations—this trio is renowned for performances that leave audiences spellbound. As they get ready to bring us music from their last two albums, Transparent Water and SUBA, they’re promising an evening filled with soul, creativity, and a musical connection that runs deep.
PAN M 360 : Omar, Seckou, it’s such a pleasure to have you here. We’re all very excited about your upcoming performance in Montreal for Nuits d’Afrique. Have you performed in Montreal before?
Omar Sosa : Yes, I’ve played there a few times. It’s one of the great music cities of the world. The Jazz Festival there is legendary.
Seckou Keita : I’ve performed there as well. The energy is incredible. I remember being there for the Jazz Festival—the atmosphere was unforgettable. But I hear it’s quite cold in Montreal right now!
PAN M 360 : Yes, quite right. it’s around minus 10 degrees at the moment. But I’m sure your performance will bring the warmth we need.
Omar Sosa : Definitely! And with Seckou coming straight from Senegal, he’ll bring some of that beautiful warmth with him.
PAN M 360 : I know you’ve been performing together for a while now. But still, how do you manage rehearsals when you’re often on opposite sides of the world?
Omar Sosa : We have a connection that transcends geography. It’s not just about rehearsing; it’s about feeling. Every time we come together, something magical happens. Seckou brings fresh energy and grooves from Senegal, and that keeps our performances alive.
Seckou Keita : Yes, it’s a natural connection that grows stronger every time we meet. The longer we’re apart, the more intense and vibrant it is when we reunite. Our performance in Montreal will be a burst of that energy.
PAN M 360 : So by now do you mostly play established repertoire from your albums, or is there a lot of improvisation in your shows?
Omar Sosa : We blend both. We honor our albums, Transparent Water and SUBA, but every performance is different. The structures are there—A, B, bridge—but the connection between us always brings something new. Each show feels like a new creation.
Seckou Keita: Absolutely. There’s always a fresh dynamic. It’s like every performance is a new album in itself. We share this energy with the audience, and it’s amazing to see how it resonates.
PAN M 360 : When was the last time you performed together?
Seckou Keita : It was in March last year, during our UK tour. Since then, we’ve been working on separate projects, but we’re excited to bring all that new inspiration back to the SUBA Trio.
Omar Sosa : Exactly. Our music reflects not just our collaboration but also our individual journeys. Every time we play together, it’s fresh and deeply rooted in our traditions and spirits.
PAN M 360 : Let’s talk about your Tiny Desk performance. How was that experience?
Omar Sosa : That was actually my second Tiny Desk. The first one was years ago with Paolo Fresu, and back then, it really was a desk—no set, just pure and simple. Now, they’ve created a little set, but the intimacy is still there. The focus on acoustic sound and the natural vibe is beautiful.
Seckou Keita : It was incredible. The space is so small, especially for Omar’s piano and Gustavo’s percussion setup. But the technicians did an amazing job creating a sound that’s so alive. The interaction with the people in the office was fantastic. It felt like we were sharing something deeply personal with them.
PAN M 360 : That performance has gained quite a following. Did it help spread the word about the SUBA Trio?
Seckou Keita : Yes, it brought a lot of attention to what we do. People often tell us they discovered us through Tiny Desk. It’s a blessing to have such a platform where our music can reach so many new listeners.
PAN M 360 : As a musician myself, I’m curious about how you balance the sound between the kora and the piano. Both can occupy similar tonal spaces. How do you make it work?
Omar Sosa : It’s all about listening and being humble. If Seckou is leading with his voice and kora, my role is to support and create a foundation. We spent a lot of time during the production of SUBA understanding each other’s spaces and finding that balance.
Seckou Keita : Yes, it’s a dialogue. We know when to give each other space and when to blend. It’s about trust and knowing each other deeply, both musically and spiritually.
PAN M 360 : Your music often feels like it channels something beyond the ordinary. How do you explain that?
Seckou Keita : Sometimes, the energy we create is so powerful that it feels beyond human. It’s like we’re just channels for something greater. Those moments are humbling and remind us of the spiritual dimension of what we do.
Omar Sosa : It’s love. Love for the music, for each other, for our traditions, and for the audience. When that love is true, everything flows naturally. It’s not something you can force; it’s something you feel.
PAN M 360 : Thank you both for your thoughts. We’re really looking forward to experiencing that love and connection in Montreal.
Omar Sosa : Thank you. We’re excited to bring our music to such a special city.
Seckou Keita : Yes, thank you, merci. We’ll see you soon in Montreal!
