Berklee College of Music is a premier private institute of music and the performing arts, which is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world.
The college is known for its study of jazz and modern American music and offers college-level courses in rock, hip-hop, reggae and a wide range of contemporary and historic styles.
In its move to honour international Gambian sensation, the premier music institute last week Wednesday conferred Sona Jobarteh, the first professional female Kora virtuoso to come from any of the West African griot dynasties, a Doctorate of Music.
The institute describes Sona, is the first woman in her family to learn the Kora, a trendsetter who has been breaking down barriers ever since.
The musician was officially hooded by the president of Berklee, Dr Erica Muhl, who delivered a powerful speech honouring the Gambian’s work and career. He said, “Sona embodies our best aspirations as a community - consummate artistry, innovative composition, stellar production, original scholarship, humanitarian activism, mastery and expansion of great musical traditions. Not to mention a ground-breaking, world-changing career.”
In her acceptance speech, Jobarteh thanked Berklee for the honour, and spoke about the importance of music education, which he said is a “powerful tool for change, and it can be used to unite people and inspire them to make a difference in the world.”
