The Kora is a West African harp instrument with 21 strings, traditionally played by men. Sona Jobarteh has broken away from this old custom! She plays the Kora standing up, demonstrating her complex musical abilities as the frontwoman of her own band. By the time she was four years old she learned from her brother how to play the instrument, which set the tone for her international career. Sona studied music at the Royal College of Music and composition at the Purcell School of Music as well as African studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. In her compositions she combines a unique blend of modern and traditional African music, remaining true to the roots of her homeland.

For several years now Sona has been also socially engaged by founding the “Amadu Bansang Jobarteh School” in Gambia, where children can study the traditional music of their homeland.

Line-Up

Sona Jobarteh - voc, kora
Sidiki Jobarteh – Balafon
Eric Appapoulay - guit, voc
Mamadou Sarr - perc, voc
Andi McLean - bass, voc
Westley Joseph - dr, voc

Interview Guardian

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Please use always the photo credit "African Guild" /  / Last image (the red one): Rob O'Connor.