Dawda is the grandson of Alhaji Bai Konte, the son of Amadou Bansang Jobarteh and the nephew of both Malamini Jobarteh and Dembo Konte. Thus his heritage is solidly rooted in one of West Africa's most illustrious musical dynasties, and in the world of Gambian music particularly these are serious calling cards not to be taken lightly. Yet Dawda was not, at first, a kora player and even today his instrument is one he acquired after settling in Denmark in 1999. In fact he learnt his trade as a percussionist and perhaps it is this which makes his music so distinct? Because it is as a truly international musician that Dawda has found his place, and key to this is his willingness and enthusiasm for working with musicians from different backgrounds and traditions.