A Musical Encounter

Seedat plays the kora – a traditional West African string instrument with a soft, meditative sound. During the Sunrise Senegal retreats, he offers workshops for those who want to connect with this unique musical heritage.

Seedat and the Kora at Sunrise Senegal

When Seedat places his hands on the strings of his kora, something shifts in the atmosphere. It’s not just music—it’s a voice from another time. Soft, soulful, and deep. The sound of the kora seems to bypass the mind and go straight to the heart. It invites silence. Presence. A moment of stillness.

An Instrument with a Soul

The kora is still relatively unknown in Europe, but in West Africa, it holds a sacred place. This unique 21-string instrument is often described as a cross between a harp and a lute, yet its sound is like nothing else—gentle, intimate, and profoundly moving.

Its music feels spiritual—almost meditative. The notes shimmer and flow like water over stone. And for a brief moment, the listener is transported—lifted out of the ordinary and into a world of connection.

Traditionally, the kora comes from the Mandé culture and is believed to have originated in the village of Sanementereng, in what is now The Gambia. For centuries, it has been played by griots—the oral historians, poets, and musicians of West Africa. Through music, they preserve family lineages, celebrate milestones, and offer healing.

Seedat’s Journey

Seedat began playing the kora seven years ago, in the village of Bunkiling in southern Senegal—his father’s home. Music is in his blood: the kora has been passed down through generations in his family. What began as a legacy has become his life.

Today, Seedat is an accomplished player and a passionate teacher. He earns his living by performing at local ceremonies—weddings, naming rituals, and community celebrations. But more than that, he is committed to keeping this tradition alive by sharing it with others.

He teaches with patience and presence. Whether young or old, local or visiting, those who sit with Seedat quickly feel his quiet strength and his love for the music.

Guest Teacher at Sunrise Senegal

We are honored to welcome Seedat as a guest teacher during our upcoming retreats. While he won’t be performing on stage, he will offer hands-on kora workshops to participants who are curious to learn and connect with this beautiful tradition.

“You don’t just learn the kora with your mind,” says Seedat. “You learn it with your heart.”

Under the shade of a tree, with the breeze in the leaves and the sun setting over Casamance, the sound of the kora feels like a gentle invitation—to listen, to feel, to remember.

🌞 Would you like to experience it for yourself?

Join one of our upcoming retreats in October or December 2025 and meet Seedat during an authentic kora session.