Sona Jobarteh, a pioneering professional female griot and master of the kora, blends Mandinka traditions with blues and afropop. Coming from a distinguished lineage, she both preserves and reimagines West African musical heritage. Her latest album, “Badinyaa Kumoo,” delves into themes of education and African unity, featuring notable collaborations. As the founder of the Gambia Academy, she advocates for educational reform across Africa. With millions of YouTube views and sold-out performances, Sona captivates audiences while staying true to her roots.

Inspired by the life of Gofefô Konaté from Burkina Faso, this performance celebrates Sambla culture through a sensory journey infused with ancestral wisdom. The “Lames de joie” project, backed by the Educafon association, fosters solidarity, transmission, and intercultural respect. By blending oral tradition with modernity, contemporary griot Gofefô Konaté invites audiences to experience the sounds of the balafon and djembe. Participatory workshops offer insights into the role of griots and establish a meaningful dialogue between African and European cultures.

Alexandre Millet, a composer and musician with a background in jazz and improvisational music, has been collaborating with various artists for fifteen years. In his project “Athome,” he fuses jazz, pop, and world music to convey his inner journey, inspired by time spent with Peruvian shamans and the experience of confinement. The album delves into themes of trauma, heritage, and the loss of loved ones, reflecting the artist’s inner legacy. This creation is in collaboration with the JazzContreBand and Jazz Sur La Plage festivals.