Jobarteh-Kunda
abaraka

Tracks

1. Adama
2. Dounye Felle
3. Ah, Munkera Duniya
4. Sorri
5. Africa
6. Lev Me Bambo
7. Allahlake
8. Aiyo Aiyo
9. Jarabi
10. Fanta

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Jobarteh-Kunda combine the pulsating rhythms and beautiful melodies of West Africa with the summertime feeling of the Caribbean and South America.

Jobarteh-Kunda means "members of the Jobarteh Family". They are one of the few West African families who give birth to the so called "Griots". Since the beginning of the kingdom Mali under Sunjata Keita 800 years ago, the Griots (or "Jali" in the language of the Mandingo people) rank as keepers of the regional history and mythology, which they pass on from generation to generation.

Thus, they created a cultural bond which outlasted colonization as well as the following times. Griots are storytellers, historians, minstrels, entertainers, mediators, and advisors - united in one person. Listen to this very fine debut-album from this band founded by the two Griots Tormenta Jobarteh and Mori Dioubaté (Jobarteh is the english version of Dioubaté).

Musicians

• Tormenta Jobarteh - lead vocals, kora
  
  
• Mori Dioubaté - lead vocals, balafon, guitar
  
  
• Juanito Heldmann - guitar, congas, talking drum
  
  
• Lancelot Scott - djembé, steel drums, congas
  
  
• Gerhard Wagner - sax, flute, fulla-flute
  
  
• Humphrey Cairo - bass
  
  
• Johann Bengen - drums
  
  
• Thomas Maier - trombone
  
  
• Ludwig Lambrecht - keyboards
  
  
• Arnie Jammeh, Shorma Williams - backing vocals
  
  

Discography

• Jobarteh-Kunda - "abaraka" (CD bibiafrica 1999)
• Jobarteh-Kunda - "Ali Heja" (CD bibiafrica 2003)

Reviews

• Süddeutsche Zeitung Nr. 208 (Seite 12) SZ EXTRA Pop & Jazz Woche vom 9. bis 15. September 1999:
  
  Jobarteh und Diobaté sind zwei Schreibweisen eines Namens, den man sich merken sollte, denn er gehört einer der angesehensten Griot-Familien Westafrikas und die bringt wunderschöne Musik hervor. Griots sind Troubadoure, Chronisten und Geschichtenerzähler.
  
  Der Münchner Werner Tormenta Jobarteh hat ihre Kunst jahrelang in Gambia studiert, und wurde selbst zum Griot ernannt - eine Sensation für einen Weißen. Mit Mori Dioubaté und Arrangeur Juanito Heldmann hat er in München eine wahre Weltmusik-CD (Jobarteh-Kunda: Abaraka, Indigo JK 09 99) produziert: Zu den traditionellen afrikanischen Instrumenten (Kora, Talking Drum, Balafon) gesellen sich karibische: die Steel Drum, Saxofon, Gitarre und Bass. Weitere Musiker der achtköpfigen Band haben früher mit den Gipsy Kings oder Grateful Dead gespielt.