FRESH from concerts at Exeter Phoenix and the Chapel Arts Centre in Bath, kora player Modou Ndiaye and his acclaimed band of musicians are set to launch the brand new Artsreach summer season with three performances for the county’s touring arts charity this May.

They will call into Buckland Newton near Dorchester on Friday, May 10 as part of their rural tour.

Modou Ndiaye, aka Mamadou Ndiaye Cissokho, brother of Seckou Keita, is a virtuoso kora player, songwriter, drummer and percussionist, and a member of the famous Cissokho family of Griot musicians from Southern Senegal. With a superb repertoire of rhythms, Modou fuses together modern and traditional beats, playing a variety of West African instruments including his leading instrument, the mesmerising 22 stringed Kora, a West African harp.

Often in demand for both TV and film, Modou’s music can be heard in the soundtrack of the 2006 blockbuster Blood Diamond and was also featured on the award-winning Channel 4 TV series Skins.

Modou’s latest album Londo unites world-class musicians and blends together an irresistible mix of beautiful harmonies with the gentle yet lively tones of the kora, the vibrant grooves of bass guitar and a variety of African percussion instruments.

Modou’s music draws on inspiration from his homeland, his life experiences and current global issues. For these concerts, Modou is joined by Suntou Susso (Gambia) on drums and percussion, Amadou Diagne (Senegal) on percussion and Edd Bateman (UK) on bass guitar. Uniting traditional and modern sounds, this energetic band will leave you invigorated and inspired!

Expect an unmissable night of outstanding musicianship as the band play live in Wootton Fitzpaine (01297 560948) on 9 May, Buckland Newton (01300 345455) on 10 May and Shillingstone (07870 972089) on Saturday 11 May. Tickets and further information are also available via artsreach.co.uk