#Arts and Culture

Sona Jobarteh tours & performs across Europe

May 19, 2023, 12:34 PM | Article By: Ali Jaw

Gambian female Kora player and musical sensation Sona Jobarteh is concurrently touring Europe to perform for fans across that region for the year 2023.

This came on the sidelines of an even greater yearning by music lovers and fans across, and the world at large, for her music, as the demand for her live performances skyrocket in recent years.

2019 saw her performance at some of the world’s most renowned festivals and venues, such as the Hollywood Bowl in LA, WOMAD in Australia and New Zealand and Symphony Space in New York City, whilst also performing all over Europe, in China, Africa and Canada.

Sona’s 2023 Europe tour started on 13th May. She performed at the Volkshaus hall located in Zürich, Switzerland. She also performed at Treibhaus cultural centre in Innsbruck, Autria, on May 14 and 15.

She is currently in Germany. On May 16, she performed at Munich, on the 17th he performed at Tubingen, on the 18th he performed at Mainz and will be performing today at Hannover.

Sona will be performing in Oldenburg on the 20th of May and in Hamburg on the 21st. She would also be performing at the Africa Festival in Wurzburg, Germany.

Sona has the unique ability to touch audiences from all over the world and from all backgrounds and cultures, whilst also commanding the attention of sitting presidents and royalty alike. Her captivating stage show has proved to be popular everywhere, and with a repertoire that exudes accessible sophistication, her audience demographic is forever expanding.

The granddaughter of Amadou Bansang Jobarteh began playing the kora at the age of four, and she quickly became a skilled musician. She toured with her uncle, Kora master Dembo Conteh, and released her first album, Djeliya, in 1999.

She has since been releasing more singles and albums and has toured the West African sub-region, continents and the world. Sona has also been staunchly advocating for the rights of women and girls, and she has also played a key role in advocating for access to education on the continent.

Jobarteh is a recipient of numerous awards, including the BBC Radio 3 World Music Award for Best Female Artist in 2002. She is also a Goodwill Ambassador for UNESCO.

Jobarteh, who has long gained international success as a first-class performer on stage, is an inspiration to musicians and women all over the world. She is a role model for young people who want to break down barriers and achieve their dreams.

The Gambian star has been featured in popular award-winning films, such as the Hollywood movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, which is adapted from the autobiography of the same title by South African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela; The First Grader.