
Sparkling world music!
Daughter of Gambian parents with roots in Senegal, Mariama Ndure’s diverse upbringing has given her a distinctive musical expression. She blends elements of West African folk music with jazz, soul, and improvisation, creating a sound that is both rich and authentic. Through her musical journey, she claims ownership of her voice and identity while honoring the traditions of her ancestors.
With a background from Berklee College of Music in Boston and the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, Mariama Ndure has immersed herself in rhythmic genres such as Mandinka and Wolof traditions from Gambia, inviting audiences on a vibrant, pulsating journey. As an active artist, composer, and educator, she has collaborated with Sandra Mujinga, Mia Habib, and Rohey Talaah, among others. Her debut album, *Rituals*, was released internationally on vinyl and as a digital deluxe edition on August 15, 2025. Singles from the album have received support from prominent voices such as Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2), Macca and Mafalda (NTS), Marcus Rosario (KCRW), and China Moses (Jazz FM), who described the album as “beautiful” and said, “I’m captivated.”
MARIAMA NDURE vocals LEON RØSTEN keys XANDER CROOK percussion IBOU CISSOKHO kora ANDREAS SVABØ bass
Photo: Ian Clontz

