SHMF — Sona Jobarteh in Kiel
Concert by the Gambian Kora virtuoso on the open-air stage
About SHMF Sona Jobarteh Kiel
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Sona Jobarteh — A Pioneer
Sona Jobarteh comes from one of West Africa's four most important Griot families and is the first professional virtuoso of the Kora — the 21-string bridge harp, which was exclusively played by male musicians until the 20th century. With her music, she combines the oral storytelling tradition of the West African Griots with modern sound elements — she sings in Mandinka and English, and her compositions merge traditional modes with contemporary songwriter aesthetics.
The Krusenkoppel Open-Air Stage
The Freilichtbühne Krusenkoppel is Kiel's most traditional open-air stage — located on Düsternbrooker Weg in the inner-city harbor area. The natural amphitheater seats around 1,500 spectators and offers the ideal atmosphere for the sound world of a kora under the open sky. The venue was built in 1936 as part of Kiel's city forest concept and was extensively renovated in 2018.
As Part of SHMF 2026
The Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival is one of Europe's largest classical music festivals and takes place from July 4 to August 30, 2026, at over 200 venues in Schleswig-Holstein. Sona Jobarteh's concert is part of the World Music focus, which shapes the festival alongside classical, chamber music, and grand symphony concerts. On July 24, 2026, as a Gambian artist, she will also open the Werftsommer (Shipyard Summer) at the Lübeck shipyard — a classic SHMF format featuring concerts in unusual industrial settings.
The Kora — African String Instrument
The Kora is one of the world's most extraordinary string instruments: it combines the 21 strings of a harp with the resonance of a gourd and the mechanics of a lute. Its sound is bright, percussive, and melodic all at once — perfectly suited for the oral storytelling tradition of the West African Griots, who pass down family histories, praises, and reflections from generation to generation.
In the Kiel Region
Kiel is the state capital of Schleswig-Holstein and, with around 247,000 inhabitants, the largest city in the federal state. The Krusenkoppel open-air stage is located in the Düsternbrook district, in close proximity to the Kiel Fjord — one of the most prominent locations for summer open-air events in Northern Germany.
SHMF Sona Jobarteh Kiel — edition 2026
The Concert on July 25
Sona Jobarteh's performance at the Krusenkoppel open-air stage promises to be one of the most atmospheric open-air moments of SHMF 2026. With her band, she will present both traditional Mandinka songs and modern original compositions — pieces like "Gambia" and "Bannaya" are well-known and have been successfully received at many European festivals in recent years.
The Double Performance 2026
Sona Jobarteh is featured with two performances at SHMF 2026: on July 24, she opens the Werftsommer in Lübeck, followed by the concert at the Krusenkoppel open-air stage in Kiel on July 25. This double presence underscores the importance the festival places on her music — she is one of West Africa's most outstanding voices.
Programme SHMF Sona Jobarteh Kiel 2026
The exact program will be published by the SHMF artistic direction a few weeks before the concert on shmf.de. Based on experience, a Sona Jobarteh concert is structured as follows:
Saturday, July 25, 2026 — Krusenkoppel Open-Air Stage
- 6:30 PM — Doors open
- 7:30 PM — Concert start
- First set — traditional kora pieces and Mandinka songs
- Mid-set — storytelling moment in the Griot style, explanation of the tradition
- Second set — modern compositions, original material
- Encore — depending on audience response
- Approx. 9:30 PM — Concert end
Sona Jobarteh is accompanied by her multi-member band (percussion, bass, guitars, additional vocals).
Highlights SHMF Sona Jobarteh Kiel 2026
- First professional kora virtuoso from West Africa
- Open-air concert at the Krusenkoppel open-air stage
- Part of SHMF 2026
- Also performing on July 24 in Lübeck's Werftsommer
Prices SHMF Sona Jobarteh Kiel 2026
Tickets from €42 via shmf.de. Various seating categories — early booking recommended.
Practical information — SHMF Sona Jobarteh Kiel
Tickets
Tickets from €42 via the official SHMF website shmf.de or through Eventim. Reserved seating in several price categories.
Getting There
By train to Kiel Hauptbahnhof (main station), from there about a 20-minute walk or a bus ride to the open-air stage. By car via the A210 (Kiel-Mitte), parking is limited — recommended: arrive by public transport.
On Site
The concert will take place even in case of rain — rain gear recommended. The open-air venue offers partially covered areas, but not full protection. Tickets remain valid even in case of rain.
Second Performance — Werftsommer Lübeck
Sona Jobarteh opens the SHMF Werftsommer in Lübeck on July 24, 2026 — separate tickets and travel required.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place SHMF Sona Jobarteh Kiel
Freilichtbühne Krusenkoppel
Freilichtbühne Krusenkoppel, 24105 Kiel