This song is about music and identity. I address the need that people
feel to try to define me, analyse me and categorise me in order to try
and understand me and the externally imposed complexities of being ‘multiracial’ along colour lines. In this song I assert that my identity is rooted in the simplicity of ‘I am who I am’, and that the music I create comes not from a calculated melting pot of genres and styles but from the complex yet simple expression of my cultural identity and life experiences. Music is a deep rooted form of cultural expression, and the Blues musician playing the harmonica on this song (Jock Webb) symbolises the fact that music is an honest, pure expression of one’s identity which is in turn born from the experiences of both the individual and the collective. Although genres like The Blues, or Mandeng music can be ‘learnt’, analysed and theorised from afar, this cannot eclipse the fact that these are not ‘genres’, but in fact sonic expressions of the real lives and experiences of the people to which they belong. Bypass the history, the experiences, the identity and the culture of the people, and you will be left only with an imitation, void of depth and meaning. It is the reality of the lives of the people that breathes life into music and gives it purpose; to relate, communicate and move the listener. Music is the language of people’s lives, and my music is the language of my life.
credits
from Badinyaa Kumoo,
track released September 23, 2022
Composed and Produced by Sona Jobarteh
Lead Vocals / Backing Vocals / Calabash / Bass / Percussion: Sona Jobarteh
Harmonica: Jock Webb
Mixed by Femi Temowo
Mastered by Chris Pavey
supported by 30 fans who also own “Nna Kangwo (Feat. Jock Webb)”
Dearest Arooj, firstly thank you. My brother died this year n what can be said about such loss n sadness. I saw n heard you at The end of the Road in England. I spent many years in India n love all the music, poetry of your heritage. Thankyou Arooj❤️ ben1769
supported by 23 fans who also own “Nna Kangwo (Feat. Jock Webb)”
I love these women. the voices mesh together perfectly; also the world music is exceptional. I have all of their albums and they're all excellent. Give them a listen. Steve Lake
A master of the West African kora, living in Denmark, brings together folk and pop from different corners of the globe to stunning effect. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 5, 2018
supported by 23 fans who also own “Nna Kangwo (Feat. Jock Webb)”
Ballaké Sissoko is my favorite kora player, and following his musical life has led me to some of my most beloved musical discoveries.
This latest release is every bit as gorgeous as all of his prior work.
And it is so clear how he brings the best out of each of his collaborators. Charlie Moonbeam