Sona Jobarteh's Single Dedicated to The Gambia Released Today

Updated on Jan 11, 2018 by Kathryn Burrington

Blog > Sona Jobarteh's Single Dedicated to The Gambia Released Today

Earlier this year, musician Sona Jobarteh, from London, announced the coming of a new song and video to be dedicated to her ancestral home, The Gambia, which she works hard to promote.

Sona is the first female Kora virtuoso and as such breaks with the ancient tradition that has been exclusively handed down from father to son (but never daughters) for the past seven centuries. She is a classically trained musician having attended both the Royal College of Music and Purcell School of Music and is a hugely talented singer and composer.

Sona’s new single ’Gambia’ is released today.

Back in June she spent 2 weeks in The Gambia filming the video and in September, Sona and two of her band members were featured on BBC Woman’s Hour where they performed an acoustic version of the song live to thousands of listeners. “The reception to this track so far has been truly overwhelming, with a large amount signing up for pre-purchase in November. It is extremely encouraging to hear, see and feel such a positive response from audiences ahead of its release” Sona remarked. Her new single ’Gambia’ is released today and will be available for purchase on iTunes and as a novelty pack which includes the DVD, CD and signed photos will be available through Sona’s website.

Sona’s Music School Opening Soon

Sona, an advocate of Gambian tradition, has spent the last two years planning the opening of the first Manding music school in the Gambia. Named after her grandfather, Amadu Bansang Jobarteh, the school is dedicated to cultivating knowledge and expertise in traditional music and culture amongst the next generation of young Gambians. Courses will also be available to foreign students.