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Seckou Keita, Julie Fowlis, Anandi Bhattacharya and Richard Bona discuss why words are easy, story-telling being a family tradition, feeling free with the melody, and finding the confidence to experiment.

Seckou Keita was born in Ziguinchor in Senegal and is descended from the Griots – a family of musicians and storytellers whose tradition is passed down from one generation to the next.

Cameroonian Richard Bona is one of the world’s most acclaimed bass players, and has played with the likes of Oumou Sangaré, Buena Vista Social Club and Sting.

Julie Fowlis is a world-renowned folk singer from Scotland. She has been deeply influenced by her early upbringing in the Outer Hebrides, and sings in the Gaelic language, as well as enjoying exploring many other traditions.

Anandi Bhattacharya is originally from Kolkat, India, and started singing at the age of three. Despite being rooted in the Indian classical tradition from her musical family, she embraces both traditional and contemporary vocal styles.