Griot kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh is dropping into the RNCM as part of a wider tour – and it’s your chance to catch the first-ever female performer of this traditional West African instrument. A kind of lute or harp, the kora is played by male griots or jali (bard or poet) to accompany storytelling, never before a role for women. Hailing from The Gambia, Sona Jobarteh decided to change the rules – creating her own compositions with messages about issues important to her: gender, love and respect, cultural identity and heritage in the 21st century. Very active in the fight for women’s rights in Africa, Jobarteh contributes at the grass roots level (building a school for Gambian kids) and the world stage – she’s The Gambia’s representative within the World Trade Organization and World Bank. She’s also won over audiences with her fine voice, catchy melodies, laid-back style, and elegant and intricate musicianship.
Sun 10 Jun, RNCM, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD, Tel: 0161 907 5200, 7pm, £25, www.rncm.ac.uk
- Words:
- Sarah-Clare Conlon
- Published on:
- Tue 5 Jun 2018
