Sona Jobarteh (born 1983) is a Gambian-born British multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer.

Sona Jobarteh comes from one of West Africa’s five main kora-playing griot families and is the first female professional kora player to hail from a griot family.

 

What language does Sona Jobarteh sing in?

Sona Jobarteh sings in Mandinka, a language used by one of the many ethnic groups in the Gambia, and the lyrics fell like rain on the northern English audience.

More Information About Sona Jobarteh

Sona Jobarteh is the cousin of kora legend Toumani Diabate and the sister of diaspora kora player Tunde Jegede.

Maya Sona Jobarteh, born in London, is a member of one of West Africa’s five main kora-playing (griot) families, and the first female member of such a family to achieve prominence on this instrument.

This 21-stringed harp-like instrument was only passed down from father to son.

On stage, Sona Jobarteh has worked with Oumou Sangaré, Toumani Diabaté, Kasse Made Diabaté, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Sona Jobarteh is a regular member of her brother Tunde Jegede’s African Classical Music Ensemble, which has performed in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Africa, and parts of the Caribbean.