By the time he was 6, Pa Bobo was studying kora (the West African harp) with his father, Malamini Jobarteh, a renowned musician of the Mandinka people in Gambia. Like his father, Pa Bobo is a Jali born to a life of music. Jalis are hereditary musicians and poets who for centuries have performed music, preserved oral history, and served as advisors to Mandinka kings.
When his father retired, Pa Bobo took his place, writing songs and spreading his vision of a world of peace. He is known in his homeland as the “Prince of Kora,” and his song, “Gambia, Peace, Love and Unity,” is the country’s unofficial anthem. Pa Bobo has toured in Europe and the United States of America with his family band.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
