Sona Jobarteh

One of five principal kora playing families from West Africa, Jobarteh stands on the mighty shoulders of her musical tradition which she seamlessly mixes with Western instrumentation.

Preparing a place for the next generation Jobarteh blends traditional music with blues and Afropop with her new album Badinyaa Kumoo (Words of Unity). With this plethora of new compositions Jobarteh explores the familial bond and through her performance extends the invitation to the audience, inviting us all in, reflecting the wider unity of humanity.

Fronting her band as Africa’s first female griot kora virtuoso, Jobarteh’s performance springs directly from tradition, with vocals performed in Mandinka alongside djembé and calabash. 

Supporting is Gambiana, a trio featuring Jobarteh's son Sidiki Jobarteh, her cousin Musa-Filly Jobarteh and Carllo Yaboy.