Sona Jobarteh

Actually, only men are allowed to practice the profession of griot, a highly respected form of storytelling with musical accompaniment in West Africa. But Sona Jobarteh grew up in Great Britain and was able to escape the strict rules of the griot tradition at a very early age.

An in-depth study of music in London enabled her to combine the traditional music of The Gambia with influences from classical and modern music. Sona Jobarteh plays the harp-like, 21-string kora, which she masters with virtuosity. A monstrous instrument, with an unusual sound: Immediately one is taken by the tender Kora sound, which Jobarteh, accompanied by a formidably performing quintet, underlines with a bright voice. Simply fascinating!