Sona Jobarteh in Irvine

Sona Jobarteh is a British-Gambian kora player, singer and composer who was born in London into a West African griot family. She is known as the first woman from a griot family to build a professional career playing the kora, a hereditary tradition historically passed through men. Her recordings include Fasiya and Badinyaa, while “Gambia” is among her best-known songs. In 2015, she performed “Jarabi,” “Gambia” and “Saya” with her band at NPR Music’s Tiny Desk in Washington, D.C. She has also led her ensemble at WOMAD and the North Sea Jazz Festival, presenting her kora-centered repertoire in concert halls and on large festival stages.