Sona Jobarteh, performing for the first time after more than five years in The Gambia – and introducing her academy and vision for the future of education in The Gambia – could not have had a more ambient stage and venue. Set outdoors – with a magnificent setting and an exquisite buffet – with management and service to match – over 400 VIP guests of the fundraising gala were treated to a dance-drama performance by students of Sona Jobarteh’s Gambia Academy from Kartong, and when she took the stage with harmonious notes from her magical Kora and her troupe, the audience just stood, swayed danced mesmerized in Coco Ocean’s wonderland.