Sona Jobarteh, kora player & vocalist – Gretna Music

The men in her family have been musicians for over 700 years but she “didn’t want to be told ‘you are good for a woman.’” So she ripped up the rules.  She is the first professional female kora virtuoso to come from any of the West African Griot dynasties.  Backed up by her band, what she can do with this west African instrument is pure magic.

The kora is a 21 stringed instrument. The sound resembles that of a harp, though when played in the traditional style it bears resemblance to a guitar. Kora players have traditionally come from families who are historians, genealogists and storytellers who pass their skills on to their descendants.