One of the few women in a male-dominated field, singer-songwriter Sona Jobarteh rose to prominence in the west African folk scene through her mastery of the Kora, a 21-stringed harp traditionally taught to men exclusively.
A lifetime activist and educator, Jobarteh’s songs deal with contemporary issues like diaspora, gender inequality, and self-discovery. Her work has been featured in multiple high-profile films, including Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, The Motherland and the remake of Roots.
More information can be found on her website.
Check out the full 2018 Madison World Music Festival schedule.
