Sona Jobarteh

Sona Jobarteh: Master of Kora and Musical Fusion

Explore the captivating journey of Sona Jobarteh, a Gambian multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer, breaking barriers as the first female professional kora player from one of West Africa's five principal griot families.

Early Life and Education

Born in London in 1983, Sona Jobarteh is a descendant of the renowned kora-playing Jobarteh family. As the first female to rise to prominence in her griot family, she inherited the exclusive tradition of playing the 21-stringed harp-like kora. Her musical roots trace back to her grandfather, Amadu Bansang Jobarteh, and her cousin is the celebrated kora player Toumani Diabaté.

Studying the kora since the age of three, Sona's musical education began under her brother Tunde Jegede and later her father, Sanjally Jobarteh. She expanded her musical horizons at the Royal College of Music, the Purcell School of Music, and SOAS, University of London, becoming fluent in Mandinka and English.

Musical Career

Sona's musical journey started early, with her first performance at London's Jazz Café at the age of four. She worked on orchestral projects, collaborated with renowned artists like Cleveland Watkiss and Damon Albarn's Mali Music Project, and shared the stage with Oumou Sangaré and Toumani Diabaté. A regular member of her brother Tunde Jegede's African Classical Music Ensemble, she contributed to various albums, showcasing her versatility as an instrumentalist, co-writer, singer, and producer.

Her debut album, "Afro-Acoustic Soul," reflects a fusion of bittersweet love and social themes, with influences suitable for European radio formats. Followed by "Fasiya" in 2011 and a guest appearance on Ballake Sissoko's 2021 album "Djourou," Sona continues to redefine the boundaries of traditional African music.

Teaching and Collaborations

Sona Jobarteh extends her passion for the kora by teaching in London and contributing to the establishment of a formal music school in Gambia, named after her grandfather. She collaborated with HKB FiNN as a guest artist and worked on various projects, displaying her commitment to preserving and promoting African musical traditions.

Film Composer

Venturing into film composition, Sona Jobarteh made her debut in 2009 with the soundtrack for the documentary "Motherland." Her innovative approach included using the kora in unconventional ways, creating a unique sound by inventing an instrument called the Nkoni. She successfully captured a classical African sound world, avoiding stereotypical representations.

Artistry

Identifying strongly with her African heritage, Sona blends European and West African musical styles. Unlike some contemporaries, she explores traditional African roots without solely fusing them with modern genres. Besides the kora, she showcases her vocal prowess and guitar skills, reinterpreting traditional music with a fresh perspective.

Discography

Sona Jobarteh's discography reflects her diverse musical journey, from her debut "Afro-Acoustic Soul" to the recent release "Badinyaa Kumoo" in 2022. As a producer and guest artist, she has left her mark on various projects, contributing to the rich tapestry of African music.

Explore the soulful melodies and groundbreaking compositions of Sona Jobarteh live in concert. Secure your tickets now and witness the harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation that defines her musical brilliance. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Sona Jobarteh's performance.