SONA JOBARTEH

The first time I listened to this womans music, I fell in love with it.

Her name is Sona Jobarteh and she is the first female Kora virtuoso from the prestigious West African (Mali/Gambia), Jobarteh Griot family, coming from a long line of hereditary musicians. She is also a singer, producer, film composer and multi-instrumentalist. She is the granddaughter of the master Griot Amadu Bansang Jobarteh and cousin to the celebrated Kora maestro Toumani Diabaté. She recently completed "Motherland: The Score" for the multi-award winning film  and she is currently finalising her new album FASIYA (to be released June 16th 2011) which is set to be a real gem...

I can't understand a word she's singing but this beautiful music connects with my soul..check her out:

Sona gave her first performance on the kora at the age of four at London’s Jazz Cafe, and later went on to study cello, piano and composition at London’s Royal College of Music in London.

She has since toured extensively as a member of the African Classical Music Ensemble, and continues to perform nationally and internationally as a highly respected kora player, guitarist and singer.

CATCH HER IF YOU CAN ON ANY OF THESE DATES:

26th May 2011	KEATS HOUSE, Hamstead Keats Grove, Hamstead  London NW3 2RR	Duo performance
28th May 2011	CUMBERLAND LODGE, Windsor The Great Park  Windsor, Berkshire  SL4 2HP	Sona Jobarteh with her full band
16th June 2011	DINGWALLS, Camden Middle Yard Camden Lock London NW1 8AB	Album Launch "Fasiya". Joined by her full band,  Sona showcases songs from her forthcoming album.
27th September 2011	MOMO, Regent Street  25 Heddon Street London W1B 4BH	Sona Jobarteh with her acoustic ensemble.

Love x