Griot Creole Rendezvous: An evening with Sona Jobarteh and Cedric Watson

Two musicians posing with their instruments

March 29, 2025 | 7:30PM
Logan Center Performance Hall

A Griot for a new generation of West Africans.” – BBC World Service 

The spirit of sonic storyteller Sona Jobarteh’s music stands on the mighty shoulders of the West African Griot Tradition; she is a living archive of the Gambian people. With over 23 million YouTube views and sold-out performances from the Hollywood Bowl to London's Barbican, Sona captivates audiences worldwide with her mesmerizing voice and mastery of the Kora.  

“Gifted reanimator of Louisiana Creole music.” – The New York Times 

Spearheading the emerging generation of Cajun and Creole musicians, Cedric Watson is a fiddler, vocalist, accordionist and songwriter of enormous talent. With Bijou Creole, Watson’s music interweaves ancient French and Spanish rhythms with the spiritual rhythms of the Congo tribes of West Africa. With Grammy-nominated albums and a dynamic stage presence, he channels a diverse musical heritage through soulful vocals and masterful instrumentation. 

The Blues@Logan Series is supported by the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation.
Sona Jobarteh's debut music video "Gambia" in celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Independence for the Gambia in 2015.
Song: Violin & vocal cover of “Pa Janvier” originally recorded by Dennis McGee