Tatadinding Jobarteh, also widely known as Tata Dindin (born Ebraima Jobarteh in 1965 in Brikama, Gambia), was a renowned kora musician and griot from a distinguished musical lineage—his father was Malamini Jobarteh, and his brother is Pa Bobo Jobarteh. He learned the kora at age six and studied under kora master Alhaji Bai Konte . ⸻ 🎵 Music career & style • Innovative kora virtuoso: He blended traditional Mandinka tunes with modern elements—using an amplified 21-string kora in his eight-piece Salam Band. His energetic performances featured stage theatrics like playing the kora behind his back or with his teeth, earning him the nickname “the Jimi Hendrix of the kora” . • International exposure: Tata toured globally—performing at the KlangWelten world music festivals in Germany, WOMAD UK, the Zanzibar International Film Festival, and in André Heller’s “Africa, Africa” show . • Collaborations: He traveled and performed with German pianist Hans Lüdemann (a Goethe-Institut tour in 1999) and worked with harpist Rüdiger Oppermann . ⸻ 📀 Discography & hits Some notable works include: • Salam (1995) – with Salam Band • Piano Meets Kora (2001) • Kano, Kora Meets Piano (2005) • Kanaké (2008) Hits like “Kano”, “Bitilo”, and “Badinya” were especially loved at home and abroad . ⸻ 🕊️ Legacy & final years • Cultural Ambassador: He enriched The Gambia’s music scene, expanding kora’s reach by forming bands rather than traditional solo play and promoting Gambian art on TV and international stages . • Health struggles: Though he battled illness in later years (notably leg issues), he returned to stage performances, with his brother Pa Bobo stepping in to manage Salam Band during his recovery . • Passing: He passed away on 21 August 2021 at age 56, leaving a profound void in Gambian culture. Tributes noted his melodic voice, dynamic stage presence, and influence on generations . ⸻ 📝 In summary Tata Dindin was more than a musician—he was a pioneer who modernized kora by integrating it with electric instruments and theatrical flair. His international tours, recordings, and performances helped elevate Gambian music on the world stage. Though he passed in 2021, his recordings and the legacy of Salam Band continue to resonate#gambian_t#gambian_tiktok🇬🇲🇬🇲s#GambiaMusicu#SupportOurOwn - @brixtown