On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, renowned Gambian kora virtuoso and activist Sona Jobarteh will take the stage at Brooklyn Bowl, weaving together West African griot…
Strings of Change: Sona Jobarteh Brings Griot Legacy to Brooklyn
Tag: Gambian music
The Kora: West Africa’s Cherished 21-Stringed Harp-Lute
(headline image: Toumani and Sidiki Diabate – Photo by Youri Lenquette) The kora, a 21-stringed instrument, holds a significant place in West African musical traditions,…
Sefo Kanuteh Goes Acoustic on Mesmerizing Album ‘Afou’
Sefo Kanuteh – Afou (self-released, 2021) Afou is the second kora and balafon album Sefo Kanuteh player released in 2021. Afou, recorded with UK-based musicians,…
Sefo Kanuteh’s Dynamic Afro-Roots Ensemble Album
Sefo Kanuteh – Adouna (self-released, 2021) Sefo Kanuteh, a talented kora and balafon player from The Gambia, released two new albums in 2021, funded by…
Kora and Bala Maestro Sefo Kanuteh of Ghana
(headline image: Sefo Kanuteh with kora – Photo by Will Sherratt) Sefo Kanuteh is a skilled kora and bala (balafon) player from The Gambia. He…
Ekonting, the Cherished Folk Instrument of the Jola People
Various Artists – Ears of the People: Ekonting Songs from Senegal and The Gambia (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, 2023) “Ears of the People: Ekonting Songs from…
Kora Master Sona Jobarteh to Perform at Peter Norton Symphony Space in New York City
Gambian singer, kora master, and multi-instrumentalist Sona Jobarteh is set to perform on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at Peter Norton Symphony Space in Manhattan, New…
Kora Trailblazer Sona Jobarteh to Perform at Milton Court in London
Sona Jobarteh, a Gambian singer and skilled kora player is set to perform on Sunday, November 28, at Milton Court Concert Hall. Sonah and her…
Kora album ‘Kairaba Jabi’ from Dembo Konte & Kausu Kuyateh
The Ghosts From The Basement label has reissued Kairaba Jabi, the kora duet album by Dembo Konte (Gambia) and Kausu Kuyateh (Senegal). This is a…
Smithsonian Folkways to Reissue Gambian Griot Kora Duets
Smithsonian Folkways has announced the reissue of the album Gambian Griot Kora Duets on vinyl and digital. Originally released in 1979, the album highlighted Gambian…