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Quick Facts
Born
1983
1983
From
Gambia
Gambia
Journey
Sona Jobarteh, born on October 17, 1983, in Gambia, is an acclaimed musician, lecturer, and social activist recognized as the first professional female Kora virtuoso from her prestigious Griot lineage. By mastering this ancient West African instrument traditionally reserved for men, she reshaped cultural narratives. Her musical tapestry weaves Kora with influences from afrohouse, gnawa, soul, and tishoumaren, engaging listeners with profound themes of cultural identity, gender, and respect. Beyond her musical prowess, Sona founded the Gambia Academy in 2015, an institution aimed at integrating African history and culture into educational curricula. Through her global lectures on Mande music, history, and social anthropology, she dismantles stereotypes and redefines African studies. Her performances at esteemed venues worldwide attest to her commitment to preserving tradition while embracing innovative expressions. In every endeavor, Sona captures the spirit of cultural resilience, making significant contributions to both music and education in Africa and beyond.
