Two musicians sitting outdoors against a stone wall, playing traditional the kora, smiling, with closed blue shutters in the background.
Josh Doughty Teaching kora at a workshop

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 two shows at the Royal Albert Hall. I’ve also played at festivals like Tropical Pressure 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.

A group of people playing traditional drums and stringed instruments in an outdoor setting with bamboo and lush greenery in the background.

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 in ways that are meaningful and inclusive – helping students, creating opportunities for fellow players like Mafu Conteh, and building a wider network where this music can continue to grow and thrive.

A man sitting on a wooden bench outdoors in a forest, playing a traditional stringed instrument with a rounded body and a tall neck.

My story

Hi, I’m Josh. I’ve been playing the kora since I was eight years old. My dad, Adam Doughty, introduced me to it, and I was instantly drawn in. I’d spend hours listening to records of kora masters, rewinding and replaying until I could work out what they were doing and try to play along.

As a teenager, 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 has been a 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.