Sona Jobarteh

An undisputed Kora virtuoso, Gambian Sona Jobarteh will be in Saint-Germain for an exceptional concert, blending gentleness and commitment, tradition and modernity.

The Kora, a 21-string West African harp, is traditionally played by male griots. Sona Jobarteh decided to change the rules and make it a female instrument. Descended from one of West Africa's greatest griot families and introduced to the instrument at a young age by the men in her family, she became the first professional female musician to proudly champion this ancestral instrument. Also a pianist, cellist, harpsichordist and guitarist, a remarkable singer and acclaimed composer, Sona Jobarteh is an accomplished artist who has accompanied the greatest (Toumani Diabaté, Oumou Sangaré...) before achieving public and critical success with the release of her first album in 2008. Captivating audiences worldwide with her enchanting melodies, captivating voice and irresistible charisma, Sona Jobarteh is also a committed artist: a true living memory of the Gambian people, dedicated to transmitting her heritage as much as to social issues, she notably created the Gambia Academy, a school that allows many children and teenagers to learn to play traditional instruments of Mandingo culture.

« Sona Jobarteh shines with the richness of her groove, her melodic talent and the soothing strength of her singing, which exults with joy and sweetness.  » Télérama

« The moment her thumbs brush the strings, a liberation seems to occur around her.  » – LE MONDE

“Sona Jobarteh is the first female griot kora virtuoso in Africa, and also an excellent singer and composer, blending traditional music, blues and afropop, to impressive effect” – Robin Denselow, THE GUARDIAN