Sona Jobarteh

Sona Jobarteh at Brooklyn Bowl

Gig Alerts | Mar 16, 2025

Sona Jobarteh at Brooklyn Bowl
March 18. 8PM. $44.65.

For seven centuries, the Jobarteh family has maintained the griot tradition – the oral historians and musicians of West Africa. That heritage has been passed from father to son… until Sona Jobarteh came along. Raised in both London and Gambia, she is the first professional female player of the kora, the 21-string harp of the griot tradition. She has shared those West African sounds with rock and jazz musicians, and brought the instrument into Arab and film music. Sona also founded an academy in Gambia for aspiring young women who want to be musicians. Sona Jobarteh plays on March 18 at Brooklyn Bowl. 

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

The World Cup, the Knicks, and LeBron James’s Fate: An All-Time Summer in Sports

The staff writer Louisa Thomas on the U.S. men’s national soccer team, the N.B.A. off-season, and Serena Williams.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

The near-collapsed Midtown building is now stable, but its finances may not be

Experts say the structural failure at the Pfizer Building could cause financial problems and a lingering stigma — but that the city’s housing shortage means renters will probably move in anyway.
Gothamist |

NYC DSA on Their Big Wins, and the Future

NYC-DSA co-chairs Grace Mausser and Gustavo Gordillo talk about the DSA's recent big wins.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Get Lit: Laila Lalami's 'The Dream Hotel,' and Imal Gnawa Performs

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE