THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Acclaimed Gambian-British artist Sona Jobarteh is set to captivate audiences in Berlin and Bremen with her soul-stirring music on 29 May and 31 May, respectively.
A master of the kora, a 21-string West African harp, Jobarteh is not only a virtuoso instrumentalist but also a singer, composer and passionate advocate for African cultural identity.
Sona Jobarteh hails from one of the most respected griot families in West Africa. She is the granddaughter of the legendary Amadu Bansang Jobarteh, a renowned Gambian kora master and griot who served as the official musician of President Dauda Jawara, the country’s founding leader. Her cousin, Toumani Diabaté, is one of the most famous kora players globally. Despite being born in London to an English mother, Sona was deeply immersed in the oral and musical traditions of the Mandinka people from an early age, under the guidance of her father Sanji Jobarteh, himself a trained kora player and historian.
Jobarteh broke centuries of male-only tradition by becoming the first female griot in her family to professionally play the kora — a feat that required immense dedication and cultural courage. Her mastery of the instrument, paired with her elegant vocals and thoughtful lyrics, has gained her recognition far beyond Africa, with appearances at prestigious international festivals and stages.
Accompanied by talented musicians, including Sidiki Jobarteh on balafon, Eric Appapoulay on guitar and vocals, Mamadou Sarr on percussion, Andi McLean on bass and Yuval Wetzler on drums, the kora virtuoso is set to grace German stages with her mesmerizing performances.
She will perform in Berlin on 29 May as part of the “Series World”, a concert series showcasing global music traditions. On 31 May, Sona Jobarteh will entertain the audience in Bremen, a highlight of the Women’s Cultural Festival, celebrating female artistry.
Sona Jobarteh’s performances promise evenings of soulful melodies and rhythmic mastery and are a rare and powerful opportunity to connect with authentic African artistry at the highest level.
Femi Awoniyi
Berlin Concert Details
Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: Philharmonie Berlin – Kammermusiksaal
Tickets: Available via the Berliner Philharmoniker website
Bremen Concert Details
Date: Saturday, 31 May 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: Aladin Music Hall
Tickets: Available through Bandsintown
