Sona Jobarteh

The first professional female griot and virtuoso of the kora in Africa, Sona Jobarteh seamlessly blends Mandingue traditions, blues, and afropop in a captivating musical fusion.

Coming from a distinguished lineage of West African griots, Sona embodies a dual heritage: that of a precious musical past she passionately preserves, and that of a future she actively shapes. Accompanied by her band, she brings the kora’s strings to life with vibrant energy and rare sensitivity.

Her new album, "Badinyaa Kumoo" (Words of Unity), represents an important new artistic chapter. Recorded in Dakar, London, Paris, and New York, it tackles powerful themes such as education, solidarity, forgiveness, and African unity, featuring major artists like Youssou N’Dour, Ballaké Sissoko, and Kirk Whalum.

But Sona Jobarteh is not just a performer; she is an advocate for change. As the founder of the Gambia Academy, she is driving an educational reform in Africa that focuses on cultural identity and the transmission of local knowledge.

With millions of views on YouTube, sold-out concerts around the world, and music sung in traditional languages, Sona Jobarteh captivates audiences while remaining true to her roots.