Sona Jobarteh is a unique and pioneering musical icon of her time whose renown has been rapidly flourishing globally. Born into a Griot family from the Gambia, a tradition that dates back 7 centuries, she is the first female within this tradition to become a professional virtuoso on the Kora. Her music is uniquely poised between the preservation of her rich cultural heritage and an accessible, modern style that relates to the current era and to audiences from all over the world. At the heart of her success as an artist is her dedication to humanitarian activism in the areas of social development and educational reform on the continent of Africa. She is the Founding Director of The Gambia Academy, an institution dedicated educational reform for Africans on the continent of Africa.
2019 Hollywood Bowl. Sona Jobarteh
Biography
The Gambia Academy
The Gambia Academy
Headliner at major festivals around the world from Asia, to Europe, to the Americas. As part of 52 performances in 2019 her US tours included performances at the renowned Hollywood Bowl in California and Symphony Space in New York City .
The Gambia Academy
The Gambia Academy
The Gambia Academy
Sona Jobarteh's pioneering academy that she founded and runs in The Gambia demonstrates the need for educational reform for young Africans.
Composer
The Gambia Academy
Composer
Sona Jobarteh wrote her first film score in 2010 for an award-winning film, and more recently was commissioned by the PRS for a piece incorporating both western classical and African instruments which was aired on the BBC.
Lecture
Public Speaker/Activist
Composer
Sona Jobarteh conducts lectures, presentations and holds residencies in Universities and institutions around the world, specialising in the area of the Griot tradition and its relationship to contemporary society.
Public Speaker/Activist
Public Speaker/Activist
Public Speaker/Activist
Sona Jobarteh delivers speeches in the areas of educational reform, gender and entrepreneurship in Africa at high profile events around the world including summits for the UN and the World Trade Organization.
Sona Jobarteh's New Album!
Its been a very long time coming, but we are so please to announce that it is nearly there, and we believe it was worth the wait! Sona has been busy over the last couple of years selecting the best people to feature on her new album as well as taking her time to compose a range of songs with a new and refreshing sound and critical, educational and thought-provoking lyrics. Be the first to be notified when the album is available for purchase by signing up to her mailing list.
Endorsement From Takamine Guitars
We are very happy to announce Sona's recent endorsement from Takamine Guitars. Sona has played their guitars for the last four years all over the world and their instruments are a perfect match for her music and her sound. Learn more about Takamine Guitars and Sona's endorsement.
Sona duet with her son for the first time in the public eye during lockdown
Enjoy a special moment between mother and son on this video, featured on CNN during the lockdown. Sona Jobarteh's 13 year old son, Sidiki Jobarteh-Codjoe, is an avid student of the Balafon and djimbe.