RecentMusic - Sona Jobarteh New Releases

Sona Jobarteh

Sona Jobarteh is a celebrated British-Gambian kora virtuoso, vocalist, and composer, who has carved out a distinctive place in the world music scene. Born into one of the five principal West African griot families, Jobarteh is the first professional female kora player to come from a West African Griot family, breaking a centuries-old tradition that had been exclusively male. This lineage, combined with her formal training at prestigious institutions such as the Royal College of Music in London and the Purcell School of Music, has allowed Jobarteh to blend a deep understanding of the West African heritage with a contemporary and fresh outlook in her music.

Her most recent releases, including "Badinyaa Kumoo," showcase her commitment to preserving the griot tradition while innovating within it. With "Gambia," she created a soul-stirring national anthem that highlights her homeland’s beauty and culture. "Fasiya," which translates to 'heritage,' further highlights her ability to connect past to present, and in "Motherland - The Score," she demonstrates her range by providing a cinematic musical journey that pays homage to the African continent. Sona Jobarteh is more than a musician; she is a cultural ambassador, an educator, and a voice for change, using her platform and music to advocate for the rights to education and cultural heritage. Her multifaceted career continues to grow as she tours internationally, teaches, and runs the Amadu Bansang Jobarteh School of Music in Gambia.

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