With an elastic and liberating approach, the Gambia-born kora innovator Dawda Jobarteh blends his exquisite string work with West African melodies, jazz, and a distinctly Nordic sense of reflection. We are excited to present Jobarteh’s latest project when he takes over ALICE during Vinterjazz, performing in a trio with Norwegian drummer and vocalist Siv Øyunn Kjenstad and jazz pianist Nikolaj Svaneborg.

The Denmark-based Gambian musician Dawda was born into the Jobarteh griot family, whose members have for generations served as musicians and bearers of oral history. His refined playing on the harp-like kora shows how deeply he carries this musical heritage. At the same time, he is known for pushing the instrument into new and modern sonic territories, blending West African traditions with jazz, rock, electronic effects, and Nordic soundscapes. Over the years, Dawda Jobarteh has collaborated widely on the Danish music scene, including with Pierre Dørge, Stefan Pasborg, CTM, and many others.

Dawda Jobarteh has performed at ALICE numerous times, both solo and in various ensembles. For this concert, he appears in a new trio formation with two strong musical companions: Norwegian drummer and vocalist Siv Øyunn Kjenstad – a creative multi-artist who played a sold-out show at ALICE last year – and Nikolaj Svaneborg on synths and keyboards, known from the duo Svaneborg Kardyb. Together, they create a musical universe that embraces both tradition and innovation, pulse, warmth, organic textures, and shared musicality. We look forward to presenting Dawda Jobarteh feat. Øyunn & Svaneborg during Vinterjazz.

The concert is part of Vinterjazz 2026 – a nationwide festival taking place from January 30 to February 28. More info at www.jazz.dk