Echoes of Sierra Leone

Echoes of Sierra Leone Echoes SL: Stories resonate. Ibrahim S. Bangura's platform blends journalism, music, culture. Join the conversation, explore Sierra Leone's narratives.

Find investigations, entertainment, audio/video features, and community voices. Welcome to Echoes of Sierra Leone – Where Stories Resonate! Echoes of Sierra Leone is more than just a blog—it’s a platform that amplifies voices, tells untold stories, and brings important conversations to life. Founded by journalist and musician Ibrahim S. Bangura, this space blends journalism, music, and culture to

inform, inspire, and engage. Here, you’ll find:
📌 Investigative Journalism – Deep dives into gender issues, children’s rights, healthcare, and social justice.
📌 Culture & Entertainment – Stories about Sierra Leone’s music, arts, and creative industries.
📌 Audio & Video Features – Interviews, podcasts, and music that complement our storytelling.
📌 Community Voices – Real stories from real people, sharing experiences that matter. At Echoes of Sierra Leone, we believe that stories have the power to create change. Join us in exploring the narratives that shape our nation, one echo at a time.
🌍 Follow, share, and be part of the conversation!

VAA-SL Secretariat Holds Familiarization Meeting for Sierra Leone’s Creative Community On Friday, September 5, 2025, th...
15/09/2025

VAA-SL Secretariat Holds Familiarization Meeting for Sierra Leone’s Creative Community

On Friday, September 5, 2025, the Secretariat of Veteran Artists Association Sierra Leone (VAA-SL) convened its inaugural Secretariat Familiarization Meeting at the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts, located at 27 Liverpool Street, Freetown. This breakthrough gathering brought together a cross-section of the Secretariat to outline a transformative vision for Sierra Leone’s vibrant creative sector, fostering unity and setting a clear path forward for the nation’s artists.
Present at the meeting were, Sajjoh Jalloh (Executive Director), Melvin Davies (Admin Officer), Alie Bangura (Assistant Organizing Officer), Ibrahim Sheku Bangura (Public Relations Officer), and Mariatu Sheriff, (Office Assistant). Other members in the secretariat included: Charlie Haffner,( Lead Organizing Officer).
Jalloh opened the meeting with a passionate address, reaffirming the organization’s mission to celebrate, preserve, and promote Sierra Leone’s rich artistic heritage. As a legally registered entity, VAA-SL is dedicated to supporting both established and emerging creatives across a wide spectrum of disciplines, including music, visual arts, writing, film, performance, and traditional crafts. Jalloh emphasized that the association serves as a vital platform to elevate Sierra Leonean talent, ensuring that the country’s cultural legacy is both preserved and globally recognized.
A foundation of VAA-SL’s strategy, highlighted during the meeting, is the Artist Database, launched in April 2025. This digital platform is designed to connect, document, and promote Sierra Leonean artists, offering a centralized portal to showcase their work. This board the VAA-SL Board of Directors is chaired by Professor Osman Sankoh COR, fondly known as Mallam O. “The Artist Database is a solution provider. It promotes national recognition, preserves our cultural memory, fosters mentorship, and enhances artists’ visibility, both locally and internationally,” Jalloh stated. The platform is expected to bridge gaps between generations of artists, providing opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
Jalloh also presented VAA-SL’s ambitious 2025–2026 work plan, acknowledging challenges that led to the postponement of events originally scheduled for January and June 2025. Despite these setbacks, the Secretariat has recalibrated its focus to deliver a robust lineup of activities from September to December 2025. Among the highlights is the Cuban Festival, set for October 10–20, 2025, which promises to be a vibrant celebration of the cultural diversity of both Cuba and Sierra Leone. A suggestion was made to include reading clubs in schools.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for secretariat members to contribute ideas to strengthen VAA-SL’s initiatives. Alie Bangura proposed an innovative approach to expand the organization’s reach by taking its mission directly to schools. Bangura suggested the establishment of arts clubs in educational institutions across Sierra Leone. “Since VAA-SL was founded to promote Sierra Leone’s culture through the arts, introducing these initiatives in schools will not only preserve our heritage but also inspire the younger generation to embrace and understand our traditions,” he said. This proposal was met with enthusiasm, as it aligns with VAA-SL’s goal of nurturing cultural awareness among youth, ensuring that Sierra Leone’s artistic legacy endures for generations to come.
The Secretariat Familiarization Meeting highlighted VAA-SL’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for Sierra Leone’s creative community. By bringing together leaders, artists, and stakeholders, the association is laying the groundwork for a thriving cultural ecosystem. The Artist Database, upcoming festivals, and educational outreach initiatives signal a bold step toward strengthening Sierra Leonean voices on both national and global stages.
As VAA-SL moves forward, its leadership remains focused on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities to elevate the nation’s creative sector. The Cuban Festival and other planned events are expected to draw significant attention, showcasing the diversity and dynamism of Sierra Leone’s artists. With a clear vision and a dedicated team, VAA-SL is confident to make a lasting impact, ensuring that Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage is not only preserved but celebrated with pride and innovation.

@topfans /L Fame EntertainmentSierra Leone Film Council

23/08/2025

We're thrilled to announce the release of What a Great God Is Jesus by the Tongue of Fire Evangelistic Ministry International Children’s Choir! In Calaba Town, this year,the music video premiere will be prepared . Share the love and spread the word!

Exciting News from Calaba Town! The Tongue of Fire Evangelistic Ministry International Children’s Choir is set to releas...
23/08/2025

Exciting News from Calaba Town!

The Tongue of Fire Evangelistic Ministry International Children’s Choir is set to release their first-ever song and music video, “What a Great God Is Jesus”!

11/08/2025

Preserving yesterday’s rhythms, inspiring today’s moves, and creating tomorrow’s legacy — your home for cultural dance and music stories.

05/08/2025

Step into vibrant world of cultural dance and music — where every beat tells a story and every move celebrates heritage. Join us to explore performances full of passion and tradition!




















02/08/2025

Chaos at SLFA. 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔.

Source: Epic

12/07/2025

Sierra Leone’s celebrated palm wine musician, Seydu Jalloh, delivered a powerful and nostalgic performance at the Salone Awards of Excellence in California. With his roots firmly planted in the traditional rhythms of Sierra Leone, Seydu mesmerized the audience with his acoustic palm wine sound—rich in history, warmth, and storytelling.

His performance was more than just music; it was a cultural journey that echoed the voices of our ancestors and paid homage to the essence of West African folk traditions. Seydu’s appearance at the Salone Awards not only showcased the richness of Sierra Leonean music on an international stage but also reinforced the importance of preserving and celebrating our heritage.

Through his music, Seydu continues to bridge generations and continents—uniting the diaspora in rhythm and pride. 🌍🎼🇸🇱



















21/05/2025

Solo’s Beats presents a powerful Afro-fusion experience that bridges the old and the new. Featuring masterful traditional musicians on djembe and mouth organ, this vibrant collaboration weaves ancestral rhythms with modern beats, celebrating Sierra Leone’s rich musical roots while pushing creative boundaries. It’s not just music—it’s a cultural journey.

Blindness is on the Increase in Sierra LeoneBy Ibrahim S. BanguraBlindness and visual impairments are on the rise in Sie...
11/05/2025

Blindness is on the Increase in Sierra Leone
By Ibrahim S. Bangura

Blindness and visual impairments are on the rise in Sierra Leone, posing significant challenges to public health and social well-being. This alarming trend demands urgent action from stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the general public.
According to eye specialists, healthcare providers, and organizations like Sight Savers, the surge in blindness in 2024 is unprecedented in Sierra Leone's history. Dr. John Mattia, Medical Director of the UMC Hospital Eye Clinic in Kissy, Freetown, revealed that the hospital sees over 20,000 eye patients annually. However, the 2024 period has recorded the highest number of cases. He estimated the number of blind individuals in Sierra Leone to exceed 40,000, representing roughly 1% of the population.
Sierra Leone currently has only six active eye specialists, far below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended minimum of 32 for a population of over eight million. Dr. Mattia explained that WHO guidelines call for at least one pediatric and one general ophthalmologist for every 10 million people. The country’s failure to meet these standards underscores the need for collaborative efforts to address the crisis.
Despite challenges, Dr. Mattia acknowledged support from NGOs like Sight Savers and Christian Blind Mission, which have provided funding, equipment, human and other resources to improve eye care services. "However, financial constraints often prevent people from accessing care. Even when patients do come, the workforce is too limited to meet the demand. Tackling existing cases of blindness is a struggle, and new cases only add to the burden. Human resource limitations are a significant factor," he explained.
The economic and social consequences of blindness are profound, affecting individuals, families, and the nation as a whole. Raising awareness about preventable causes, promoting early detection, and ensuring access to treatment are crucial steps. "If you experience cloudy vision, eye pain, or gradual vision loss, seek medical attention immediately," Dr. Mattia advised.
Willie L. Dinking Koroma, a senior optometrist with the National Eye Health Program, noted that Connaught Eye Clinic in Freetown had recorded over 500 cases of blindness. "We have been receiving many patients over the years, but now we are seeing more cases than ever, from ages one to 90. However, more middle-aged individuals are coming than young people," Koroma said. He explained that many Sierra Leoneans lose their sight due to a lack of affordable eye care.
Koroma highlighted that blindness imposes a heavy burden on families and the government, as visually impaired individuals often become dependent on others. This leads to economic, social, and educational losses. To combat blindness, he emphasized the need for awareness campaigns, early detection, and expanded access to eye care services. "Parents must take children with cataracts to eye clinics immediately," he urged.
Koroma commended the government for increasing access to eye care at hospitals nationwide and encouraged people to take advantage of free eye checkups at Connaught Hospital. He also warned against buying and using eye medication without a proper diagnosis. "This practice has caused harm to many over the years," he said. Koroma called for awareness campaigns in schools, on the radio, and within communities. "Don’t assume your eyes are fine just because you can see well now. Regular eye checkups are essential," he concluded.
Salieu Turay, Headmaster of the Milton Margai School for the Blind, highlighted the increasing number of blind children enrolling at the school. He reported enrollment had reached 93 students, the highest in the school’s history. Turay attributed this surge to the growing prevalence of blindness, particularly in Freetown.
According to him, the influx has strained the school’s limited resources and outdated boarding facilities. "Our current boarding home can no longer accommodate the students. The pressure is immense. Despite support from a charitable organization working to expand the boarding facilities, the challenges remain significant," Turay explained.
He called on the government and other stakeholders to provide additional funding, infrastructure, and resources. "Blind children deserve equal access to education and a safe environment to thrive. The continued rise in enrollment risks undermining the school’s ability to deliver quality education," he added.
Alimamy Lahai Mansaray, Ag. Head Teacher of the School for the Blind in Kabala, Koinadugu District, echoed similar concerns. "Currently, the Kabala School for the Blind has 91 students. Many have returned to their villages due to challenges faced in the home. Blindness is on the increase, and this needs a great attention," he said.
He noted that finding blind individuals in rural areas and bringing them to the school is also challenging. Mansaray called for more targeted outreach and support to ensure blind children receive the care and education they need.

ABC Development Leads Community Awareness on Women’s Rights and LeadershipBy Ibrahim S. BanguraABC Development has taken...
07/05/2025

ABC Development Leads Community Awareness on Women’s Rights and Leadership
By Ibrahim S. Bangura

ABC Development has taken a bold step toward advancing gender equality through a recent awareness session focused on women’s rights and inclusive leadership. Held in Magbema and Munuthallah chiefdoms, Kambia District, the session brought together 30 participants — 20 women group members and 10 male stakeholders — as part of a project supported by the Irish Civil Society Partnership through Trócaire.

The event created space for open dialogue on women’s legal rights and the cultural barriers that still limit female participation in leadership — including roles like town chief or headman. Despite existing laws, women remain largely excluded from leadership and decision-making roles.

Moderated by Beatrice B. Bangura, Project Manager at ABC Development, and supported by Kadiatu Mansaray, Adama Sillah, and Foday Mansaray, the event stressed that awareness must lead to action.
“Awareness alone is not enough — it must be followed by action. Communities must recognize that women’s leadership is a right, not a favor,” – Beatrice B. Bangura

Women participants highlighted the discrimination they face when aspiring to leadership, calling on chiefs and leaders to enforce gender equality laws.
“We are not asking for handouts. We are asking for what the law says we are entitled to — the right to lead and serve our communities,” – Elizabeth Kamara

Male participants also voiced support, acknowledging that inclusive leadership makes communities stronger. “Women can be good representatives as well, so their voices must be heard,” – Alusine Kamara.
ABC Development remains committed to making women’s rights a lived reality. With continued support from partners like Trócaire and the Irish Civil Society Partnership, the organization is scaling up training and support for more women to step into leadership.

Founded in 1996, ABC Development (Association for the Well-Being of Rural Communities and Development) has championed rural empowerment through projects in gender equality, peacebuilding, health education, and sustainable development. It has previously collaborated with ActionAid Sierra Leone and the Budget Advocacy Network to promote community participation and inclusive service delivery.

As ABC Development deepens its work in the region, its leadership remains a beacon of progress — proving that when women lead, communities thrive.

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