SENEGALESE harp sensation Seckou Keita will fuse cultures in two electric gigs in rural Dorset.

Seckou is arguably the most influential and inspiring kora player of his generation, an exceptional and charismatic musician and a true master of his instrument.

Before embarking on a nationwide autumn tour which sees him visit venues including the Sage at Gateshead, Bristol Colston Hall and the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Seckou will perform his acclaimed album 22 Strings in two special solo concerts in Martinstown and Chetnole in Dorset this summer through Artsreach, the county’s arts charity.

One of the leaders of the newest generation of African traditional musicians, Seckou fuses the traditional forms and instruments of Senegal with those of other cultures.

His award-winning 2015 album 22 Strings explores what it means to be a modern global citizen and yet to live with seven centuries of tradition and heritage expressed through music.

Seckou gives us the kora, the West African harp, in its purest guise, a wondrous instrument that can soothe the bloodlust of warriors and take the human spirit to a place of deep meditation, stillness and beauty.

Kerry Bartlett, Artsreach co-director said: “It’s very exciting to be able to bring a musician as well known on the international touring scene as Seckou is to venues in rural Dorset. The intimacy of these concerts will give audiences in the county the chance to see a true master of his instrument in close quarters.”

Since emerging as a rising star in 1996, Seckou has regularly graced the international stage, earning worldwide acclaim for his kora playing and appearing with a host of other well-known musicians. His albums Miro and The Silimbo Passage hit No.1 in the European world music charts, and Clychau Dibon, the fruit of his collaboration with welsh harpist Catrin Finch, won fRoots Critics Poll Album of The Year 2013, Songlines Magazine Best Cross Cultural Collaboration 2014, and two BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominations, as well as a clutch of 4 and 5 star press reviews.

Combining outstanding playing with evocative vocals, expect an unforgettable musical experience as this international star gives just two intimate performances in Dorset this July.

n See Seckou live in Chetnole on Saturday July 15 (Call 01935 873555 for tickets) and in Martinstown on Sunday July 16 (Call 01305 889738 for tickets). Tickets are also available online from artsreach.co.uk