My Story
I’ve been playing the kora since I was eight years old. My dad, Adam Doughty, started teaching me. I spent my childhood playing for at least 2 hours a day with my younger brother Stefan, and early into my teens I started spending hours listening to records of kora master Toumani Diabate, rewinding and replaying until I could work out what he was doing and try to play along.
Later, at the age of 15, I had the honour of meeting Toumani Diabaté, who invited me to Mali to continue learning. That first trip in 2007 had a huge impact on me, and I’ve returned many times since, spending extended periods in Mali and the surrounding regions. Toumani was my teacher, mentor and friend, and his influence continues to shape my path today.
Over the years, I’ve learned from many incredible kora players across The Gambia and Senegal, including the great master Seckou Keita. My connection with that region has been a constant part of my life. Playing the wedding and naming ceremony circuit in The Gambia with my good friend and talented kora player, Mafu Conteh, is something I’ve continued to do year after year. The people, the music and the traditions there have shaped so much of who I am as a musician.
Since then, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some brilliant artists, including Anaiis and Sampha, and I’ve performed at venues ranging from small clubs in Bamako to larger stages, including being involved in two shows at the Royal Albert Hall. I’ve also played and ran workshops at festivals like Tropical Pressure, WOMAD and Shambala.
I’ve been working with Live Music Now for over ten years, bringing music into care homes, hospices, hospitals and SEN schools around the UK. I also run regular workshops and retreats, and for the past decade, I’ve been leading a series of weekend-long kora courses in Basel. The course ran for nine years at the Basel Music Academy, and now continues independently with several sessions held throughout the year.
Alongside teaching and performing, I’m developing a project called LOXO – a platform that supports local artists in West Africa through ethically made clothing and collaborative design. The goal is to help generate income and visibility for creatives working on the ground, in a way that is practical, sustainable and community-focused.
My hope with everything I do is to keep supporting the kora world and creatives of all sorts in ways that are meaningful and sustainable – helping students, creating opportunities for fellow players like Mafu Conteh, and building a wider network where this music and art can continue to grow and thrive.
“Josh Doughty has become a member of a dynasty that is transforming the kora,
widening its audience and breaking new ground ”