For centuries, the kora was played by men from griot families. Women sang. Sona Jobarteh picked up the instrument and changed the tradition.
Jobarteh was born in London in 1983. Her grandfather was Amadu Bansang Jobarteh, a renowned griot and kora master from The Gambia. Her cousin is Toumani Diabaté. She began learning the kora as a child from her brother and grew up between Britain and The Gambia.
The griots
Griots, called jalis in Mandinka, are the hereditary musicians, storytellers and historians of the Mande world. For centuries they have kept the genealogies of families, sung the praises of kings and passed on history through song. Being a jali is a birthright, and the knowledge travels within families.
Breaking tradition
In the griot tradition, the kora is passed from father to son. Women from griot families were singers, but they did not usually play the kora professionally. Jobarteh is widely described as the first female kora virtuoso from a griot family.
She studied music in London, including at the Royal College of Music and the Purcell School, learning cello, piano and composition as well as the kora.
Fasiya and Gambia
Her album Fasiya, released in 2011, combined traditional Mande music with modern arrangements. Her song “Gambia”, a tribute to her country, became hugely popular in The Gambia and across West Africa.
She tours internationally with her band, playing kora and guitar and singing in Mandinka and English.
Film music
Jobarteh has composed music for films, including the soundtrack to the documentary Motherland.
The Gambia Academy
In 2015, she founded The Gambia Academy, a school in The Gambia that combines academic education with traditional music and culture. The aim is to give young Gambians a modern education rooted in their own heritage, so they do not have to choose between them.
Inspiration
Jobarteh’s success has encouraged girls and women to learn the kora, and more women now play the instrument in West Africa and beyond.
Listening
“Gambia”, “Jarabi” and “Mamamuso” are good introductions. Watch a live performance to see how she plays the kora and sings at the same time.
In her grandfather’s time, the kora passed from father to son. His granddaughter now teaches it to schoolchildren, including girls who would once have been told it was not for them.
