Singer

Enjoy dazzling vocals and intricate rhythms from Sona Jobarteh, who has revolutionized the kora, a traditional Gambian instrument, which—until now—has only been passed down from father to son.

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Sunset Concerts: Sona Jobarteh

Skirball Cultural Center

Sona Jobarteh is the first professional female Kora virtuoso to come from West Africa and her lineage carries a formidable reputation for renowned Kora masters, including her grandfather Amadu Bansang Jobarteh and her cousin, the legendary Toumani Diabaté.

Sona Jobarteh / The Nubian Sound Group

Grand Performances

Preserving her musical past, Sona Jobarteh innovates to support a more humanitarian future. The spirit of her musical work stands on the mighty shoulders of the West African griot tradition; she is a living archive of the Gambian people. Her singing and kora playing, while fronting her band, spring directly from this heritage. Sona Jobarteh has performed live to audiences from the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and Symphony Space in New York to London’s Barbican, Cologne’s Philharmonie, and the Seine Musicale in Paris. Hailed as “mould-breaking” (Songlines Magazine), Sona Jobarteh is “a griot for a new generation” (BBC World Service).

Cornell Concert Series presents: Sona Jobarteh

Cornell University

Experience an enchanting evening at the Griot Creole Rendezvous, featuring the extraordinary talents of Sona Jobarteh and Cedric Watson. Sona Jobarteh, a celebrated figure in the West African Griot tradition, brings a rich tapestry of Gambian heritage to life through her captivating voice and mastery of the Kora. With over 23 million YouTube views and performances at prestigious venues like the Hollywood Bowl and London's Barbican, Sona's music is a living archive of the Gambian people, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.

Joining her is Cedric Watson, a dynamic force in the realm of Louisiana Creole music. As a fiddler, vocalist, accordionist, and songwriter, Watson leads Bijou Creole in weaving together ancient French and Spanish rhythms with the spiritual beats of the Congo tribes of West Africa. His Grammy-nominated albums and compelling stage presence showcase a diverse musical heritage, channeling soulful vocals and masterful instrumentation that breathe new life into Creole traditions.

This event is part of the University of Chicago's Music Without Borders and BluesLogan series, supported by the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation. It promises a unique fusion of West African and Creole musical traditions, offering a profound and immersive cultural experience.

Sona Jobarteh

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Events

Upcoming events

Mar 21, 2025

Cornell Concert Series presents: Sona Jobarteh · Cornell University Department of Music

Mar 29, 2025

Griot Creole Rendezvous: An evening with Sona Jobarteh and Cedric Watson · UChicago Presents

Past events

Aug 10, 2023

Sunset Concerts: Sona Jobarteh · Skirball Cultural Center

Jun 24, 2023

Sona Jobarteh / The Nubian Sound Group · Grand Performances

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