Dawda is the grandson of Alhaji Bai Konte, the son of Amadou Bansang Jobarteh and the nephew of both
Malamini Jobarteh and Dembo Konte. In the world of traditional Manding music, in particular that of the West African kora, these are serious calling cards not to be taken lightly.

Today in Denmark, Dawda has found his home and with its long and fruitful relationship with Jazz, Denmark has found Dawda.

There is a quiet confidence to 'I Met Her By The River', Dawda Jobarteh's third album to be released by Sterns under exclusive licence from Dawda. Although his technique is prodigious, it's always subservient to the song. Although there are beautiful moments of contemplation, they are never saccharine or facile. With no loss of power or slackening of intent, and while still backed by long-time friends and stalwarts Preben Carlsen and Salieu Dibba, this new album is very much a solo statement.

Elsewhere we hear other traditions and styles that Dawda has effortlessly absorbed into his own. “Jeg Gik Mig Ud En Sommerdag”, which roughly translates as “I went out on a summer's day”, is a Scandinavian melody that dates back to at least the 17th century, and since being set to words in the 19th has become indelibly associated with the Danish summer. The multi-million selling pop of Adele's “Hello”, Mongo Santamaria's jazz classic “Afro Blue”, or the self-penned title track “I Met Her By The River” and indeed the social commentary of “Begging Boys”. Dawda is a 21st century musician who has made his home in a western nation and today travels the world as a professional musician.

Dawda Jobarteh: Kora, vocals & sabar drums
Souleymane Faye: Vocals 'Begging Boys'
Preben Carlsen: Bass
Stefan Pasborg: Drums
Jacob Andersen: Percussion
Salieu Dibba: Percussion