About Sekou
Sekou Sylla, known simply as Sekou, is a British singer-songwriter from Ashby‑de‑la‑Zouch, Leicestershire, now based in London. His baritone voice and well-crafted storytelling have earned him early acclaim in the UK soul and R&B scene
Musical style and influence
Sekou blends soul, R&B, pop, gospel, and hints of hip-hop, all delivered with emotional honesty and a smooth tone. His work echoes his upbringing in church choirs and his admiration for artists like Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Chaka Khan. His debut EP Out of Mind mixes piano-led ballads, upbeat soul cuts, and introspective lyrics, a nod to classic and contemporary influences
Breakthrough moments
- Signed at 16: Sekou was discovered via TikTok/SoundCloud clips and signed with NWS Music group after a car‑park performance video went viral.
- Glastonbury debut: In June 2022, he performed at the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury (his first ever live show) after being selected by Arlo Parks.
- Debut single breakout: His first official single, Better Man (May 2023), tackled his strained relationship with his father. The honest lyrics and rich vocals caught widespread attention.
- EP launch: His debut EP Out of Mind dropped in June 2023, featuring production from Sounwave and Yakob. Tracks such as Forgiving Myself and Time Will Tell expanded his sound and built his reputation.
- Live and media appearances: Sekou played Later… with Jools Holland, appeared at Glastonbury, and supported John Legend. He’s also been named a BBC Radio 1 ‘Sound Poll’ top‑10 artist and an Amazon Music Breakthrough UK act.
- BRITs nod: In November 2023, he was named a nominee for the BRITs Rising Star 2024, becoming the youngest ever nominee.
