In Memoriam: Kora Maestro Jali Tata Dinding Jobarteh. Three years on, we still remember you. May Allah continue to grant you Aljannah Firdausi, where you play the kora for the angels. Immortals never die. As Rabindranath Tagore said, “Death is not extinguishing the light; it is merely putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.”
Alagi Yorro Jallow.
The music world mourns the loss of a legendary figure, Jali Tatadinding Jobarteh, a master of the kora, who passed away on August 21, 2021, at the age of 56. His death has been felt deeply by many, including West African music stars and fans across the globe. Jali Tatadinding was renowned for his virtuosity and for serving as a bridge between traditional Gambian music and contemporary sounds.
The news of the Kora Maestro’s passing on this sorrowful day, August 21, brought heartbreak and sadness to many. We grappled with the stoic acceptance of reality, recognizing the artistic creativity and knowledge of a critically ill man who had spent the majority of his life entertaining and educating people. He was described as one of the ‘most extraordinary Kora Maestros’ that the Gambia has ever seen, and now he could finally be laid to rest.
Jali Tatadinding Jobarteh was an international figure, cherished by many and respected even by those who did not favor his music. In life and in death, he made a profound impact on the Gambia and the world, embodying what it means to be a global citizen for all generations. Although his passing was long anticipated, the loss of this great man, musician, and icon was still a shock to those who loved him.
Jobarteh’s influence went beyond his performances; he was a custodian of Gambian traditions and oral histories. His kora music introduced the instrument to international audiences and garnered immense admiration. His passing truly signifies the loss of a national treasure.
In tribute to his immense contribution to music, here is a short poem:
Strings of the Kora weep in silent halls,
A maestro’s touch, now a memory calls.
Jali Tatadinding’s fingers danced like rain,
On strings that sang the heart’s refrain.
In Brikama’s heart, a star has dimmed,
Yet in the kora’s hum, his light is hymned.
A griot’s son, Gambias treasured voice,
Leaves a legacy, in which we rejoice.
His music, a river through time it flows,
Uniting worlds, as the kora knows.
Farewell, Jali Tatadinding, your journey’s at rest,
In the heart of the moon, among the best.
