Josh Doughty

Other Instrumentalist

Also Performs As: Wedding Musician
Country: United Kingdom
Based In: Bristol, South West
Performs: Worldwide
From: £300

Josh is able to combine the traditional rhythms of Mali with modern Western influences creating self-composed pieces with a totally new and individual style that captivates his audience. His passion for this unique, complex and melodic instrument has helped to bring Joy

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Description

Solo kora player. Kora and guitar duo. Solo Kora and talk

Biography

Josh Doughty began playing the kora (a west African 21-stringed harp) when he was eight years old. First learning from his father, Adam Doughty, Josh soon developed a fascination for the instrument and would practice for hours on end, rewinding and replaying cassette tapes of kora masters and figuring out how to play along.
As a teenager, his exceptional talent was spotted by Malian kora legend Toumani Diabate, who invited Josh to visit him in Mali to deepen his learning. Josh made his first trip to Mali in 2007, aged 17, and since then he has made countless extended visits to Mali and the ... neighbouring regions, embedding himself in the culture and traditions of West Africa. In this time, Toumani has become Josh’s teacher, mentor and friend.
Over the past decade, Josh has collaborated with a number of leading musicians from Africa and Europe, including Sampha on his Mercury Prize winning album, Process. He has played at prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, St James’ Palace, the renowned Le Diplomate club in Mali and several UK festivals including WOMAD, Tribe of Doris, Tropical Pressure and Shambala. Winner of the World music category at the Welsh International Harp Festival in 2018, Josh also has been featured in Songlines Magazine and has delivered a TEDx talk on his life and his music.
Now living in Bristol, UK, Josh teaches, plays and creates his own music. As well as teaching private students, Josh runs a regular workshop at Basel Music Academy in Switzerland and residential workshops in the UK as part of his co-founded venture, Korason Workshops. He also works with Live Music Now, providing music therapy to people in hospitals, care homes, hospices and special schools.
Josh combines traditional rhythms with modern Western influences, composing pieces with an accomplished individual style that captivates his audience. His passion for this unique, complex and mesmerizing instrument earns him a rightful place amongst a new generation of kora players, and brings joy to all who hear him play.

Reviews (4 Reviews)

Josh Doughty - Wedding Musician - Bristol, South West Event Location: UK Event Type: Wedding 11th October 2023

“Josh Doughty’s Kora playing added I lovely atmosphere to our very special day, He was very easy to work with and there was absolutely no hassle, just what we needed.”

Reviewed by: Mike

Josh Doughty - Wedding Musician - Bristol, South West Event Location: UK Event Type: Wedding 22nd July 2023

“We both just wanted to say how happy we were with Josh’s performance at our wedding. It was absolutely perfect! It was so nice to hear him play as soon as we walked outside, and all of our guests asked us about his instrument. The music was beautiful and we know everyone loved it as much as we did. ”

Reviewed by: Tom and Cat

Josh Doughty - Wedding Musician - Bristol, South West Event Location: UK Event Type: Wedding 20th August 2022

“Josh did an absolutely lovely job during our wedding. He was responsive throughout the lead up and played beautifully. We had so many compliments about his playing and I was really pleased that we went for a kora as it really suited the occasion.”

Reviewed by: John

Suitable for

Anniversary Party Awards Ceremony Baby Shower Bar / Bat Mitzvah Birthday Party (Adult) Birthday Party (Child) Bridal Shower Casinos Charity / Fundraising Event Christening Christmas Party Cocktail Party / Drinks Reception Corporate Event Dinner Party Engagement Party Festival / Outdoor Event Funeral/Memorial Service Holiday / Theme Parks Hotel Event Nursing / Care Home Event Private Party Product Launch / Promotion Restaurant / Bar / Pub Event Retirement Party School Event Session Work Social Club Theaters / Stage Trade Show / Exhibitions Virtual Event Wedding Ceremony Wedding Cocktail/Drinks Reception Wedding Reception