Karamo Susso and Friends Night of the Sacred Strings at La Peña

Experience an evening of mesmerizing cultural music at La Peña with the universally beloved kora artist Karamo Susso. For the first time in many years, Karamo returns to our stage to share his unparalleled skill and soulful presence with the La Peña community.

The kora—the 21-stringed harp-lute of West Africa, born in the ancient Kingdom of Mali over a thousand years ago—comes alive in Karamo’s hands. His masterful kora playing and soulful singing create a meditative yet danceable ambiance, inviting both reflection and movement.

This special evening will unfold in two sets:

✨ The first set offers an intimate solo performance of kora and voice by Karamo, drawing the audience deep into this rich musical tradition.

✨ The second set features the full band: alongside Amina Janta, whose harmonies weave seamlessly and enrich the melodies with depth and warmth, the rhythmic foundation laid by Toney D on drums, Ben Issac on bass, and Muhamed Kouyate on balafon provides a dynamic groove that encourages joyful dance while maintaining a tranquil, hypnotic quality.

This performance beautifully balances serenity and energy, immersing the audience in a captivating soundscape that celebrates the soulful spirit of West African music.

As this is Karamo Susso’s long-awaited return, tickets are expected to sell out, reserve yours in advance!

Date: Friday, July 25, 2025

Time: 8:00–10:15 PM (Doors open at 7:30 PM)

Dinner Service: Los Cilantros restaurant opens at 5:30 PM. Food and beverages are welcome in the theater during the performance.

📍 Location: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA

🎟️ Tickets:

• Advance Online: $25
• At the Door: $35
• La Peña Members: 25% off for you + a guest

Click here to learn more about La Peña Membership

Interested in volunteering with us? Sign up hre: signup.com/go/gZrWhKU

Karamo Susso is a renowned Gambian kora player from West Africa, who grew up in Mali immersed in griot traditions, learning from legendary musicians like his uncles Ballake Sissoko and Toumani Diabate. He has performed extensively across West Africa, collaborating with top artists and appearing at national events, TV, and radio, while also contributing as a composer and studio owner in Gambia. Since moving to America, he has captivated diverse audiences in university halls and clubs, blending traditional kora music—an intricate, poetic, and historically significant instrument linked to storytelling and cultural heritage—with genres like jazz, funk, and hip-hop. His mastery preserves centuries-old traditions of the 21-stringed instrument, symbolizing the rich history of West African griots who used the kora for epic storytelling, praise, and celebration.

Amina Janta, a vibrant singer and dancer from Oakland, CA, is a captivating artist whose soulful voice and dynamic dance fuse rich cultural traditions with contemporary expression. Growing up in a family steeped in musical history—her mother danced with the pioneering African dance company in the Bay Area during the 70s, and her father serenaded blues across the region—Amina embodies a powerful legacy of artistry and resilience. Collaborating Karamo Susso, a very talented kora player, she weaves melodies that celebrate her African roots and the diverse cultural tapestry of Oakland, inviting audiences to experience a soulful journey of heritage, rhythm, and community..

Ben Isaacs, also known as ProfessorSlap, is a lifelong musician whose journey began with the violin at age seven and blossomed through mastery of trumpet, guitar, piano, voice, clarinet, and saxophone. His profound connection to West-African percussion, cultivated over four decades and fueled by five journeys to West Africa to study with master artists, underscores his deep cultural immersion. A versatile bassist and composer, Ben’s music transcends boundaries, blending diverse influences into heartfelt expressions that resonate with soulful authenticity. His lifelong dedication embodies a passion for music as a universal language, played with full heart and unwavering spirit.

Social Media

Karamo susso on FB and Amikara Music on IG and FB

• La Peña is a wheelchair-accessible venue with step-less entry, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms.
• Masks are strongly encouraged. If you’re experiencing COVID-19, cold, or flu-like symptoms, please consider staying home to protect our community. HEPA air purifiers operate throughout our space.
• Restrooms are all-gender

We strive to make La Peña a welcoming, accessible space for everyone. If you have any specific needs or questions about accessibility, contact us in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Email us at aW5mbyB8IExhcGVuYSAhIG9yZw==.

Become a La Peña member today! Enjoy a 25% discount on tickets to this event, plus access to other exclusive perks. Learn more at: Lapena.org/members

Contact us at aW5mbyB8IGxhcGVuYSAhIG9yZw==.

• Public Transit: The 18 bus line stops directly across the street (Shattuck & Woolsey), and Ashby BART is just two blocks away.
• Parking: Free street parking is available, or park at the Ashby BART station for a fee.
• Bike-Friendly: Bike racks are available outside the venue.

Also check out other Music events in Berkeley, Entertainment events in Berkeley, Arts events in Berkeley.