Comenzó a tocar la kora, el arpa de 21 cuerdas de África occidental, a los ocho años, guiado por su padre. Como adolescente fue descubierto por la leyenda maliense Toumani Diabaté, quien lo invitó a Malí para profundizar su aprendizaje; desde su primer viaje en 2007 ha vuelto muchas veces, y Toumani se convirtió en su maestro, mentor y amigo. Ha colaborado con músicos de África y Europa —incluido Sampha en su álbum ganador del Mercury Prize, Process— y ha tocado en escenarios como el Royal Albert Hall y festivales como WOMAD. Hoy, radicado en Bristol, enseña, toca y compone, combinando ritmos tradicionales con influencias occidentales modernas.
Josh began playing the kora, the 21-string West African harp, at age eight, first taught by his father. As a teenager his talent was spotted by Malian kora legend Toumani Diabaté, who invited him to Mali to deepen his learning; since his first trip in 2007 he has returned countless times, and Toumani became his teacher, mentor and friend. He has collaborated with leading musicians from Africa and Europe — including Sampha on his Mercury Prize-winning album, Process — and has played venues like the Royal Albert Hall and festivals including WOMAD. Now based in Bristol, UK, he teaches, performs and composes, blending traditional rhythms with modern Western influences.
