I was incredibly fortunate to apprentice with kora legend Sanjally Jobarteh for a month in the Gambia. I lived with him on his compound in a rural village called Kembujeh. Everyday I listened to the jungle book birds, ate lemonos and immersed myself in Mandinka music. Sanjally gave me my first lesson on the kora and four weeks later, on our final day together, we recorded this song, Jarabi.
Much respect and thanks to Sanjally for sharing his time, his music and his culture with me. This man's incredible talent is matched only by his solemn humility. I am grateful to have been woven into this rich tapestry of musical heritage.
If anyone is interested in going to West Africa and learning how to play the kora, contact Sanjally at Sanjallyjobarteh@hotmail.com
This man is not just a teacher of music, but a teacher of life. Abaraka Sanjally, Abaraka Gambia!
17 мар 2016
