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West African Griot and Trailblazer Sona Jobarteh Brings the Sounds of Her Culture to D.C.

Sona Jobarteh Profile

The West African griot, a traveling poet-musician who shares stories in song, goes back many centuries—but until now, it has largely been the provenance of male artists. Sona Jobarteh, a native of The Gambia, was born into a family of griots, and she travels the world spreading the joy of this ancient tradition from the Manding region. Learn more about Jobarteh’s upcoming show at City Winery with contributing writer Eric Althoff, where she will present a one-of-a-kind experience – keeping alive a legacy that goes back nearly a thousand years.