By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Bo District, Sierra Leone: Veteran musician and cultural performer Bockarie Ansumana, widely known as Dr. Kposowai, has issued a heartfelt appeal to the Government of Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to take urgent steps to preserve the nation’s traditional heritage.
In an exclusive interview at his residence on Amara Street in Shellmingo, Bo District, the 78-year-old cultural icon emphasized the need for institutional support, training programs, and investment in traditional music and dance, particularly for the youth.
“I appeal to the government, the Ministry of Tourism, and all who value Sierra Leone’s heritage: support our cultural practitioners,” Dr. Kposowai said. “Establish training programs to pass these traditions to the youth. Provide resources to sustain our troupes and promote our music and dances. Without this support, our culture—our identity—will perish.”
Dr. Kposowai, whose music has resonated across Sierra Leone and beyond, expressed concern over the declining role of traditional music in contemporary society. He attributed this to modern trends and a lack of institutional backing.
“In the past, live performances with instruments like Kongoma, Kele, and Shegbureh united communities in celebration,” he lamented. “Today, the lack of support threatens to silence these traditions.”
Despite the challenges, Dr. Kposowai has passed his knowledge on to his children and grandchildren, many of whom have mastered traditional dance and music. However, he warned that without government support, younger generations may abandon the legacy.
“Our traditions risk fading into obscurity,” he said. “The youth need to see that culture is not just art—it is identity and dignity. But right now, they see only struggle.”
Vandy Kallon, a prominent 32-year-old cultural dancer in Bo and member of the Tegloma Cultural Dance Troupe founded by Dr. Kposowai, echoed the call for support. Kallon, whose parents are also deeply rooted in cultural arts, highlighted the financial barriers facing traditional groups.
“Even when we try to get instruments, we can’t afford them,” he said. “To preserve our culture, we need genuine support from the government—not just from individuals.”
Kallon and his troupe have won awards in Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Magburaka, but recognition has not translated into tangible support.
“We lack instruments, transportation, and financial backing, yet we keep trying,” he added. “To my fellow young men and women, I say: value our heritage. Don’t let our traditions die out.”
Elder Brima Lapya, a 75-year-old community chief in Shellmingo, praised Dr. Kposowai’s leadership and confirmed that equipment shortages are hindering local cultural efforts.
“We have a dedicated cultural dance group led by Dr. Kposowai. They’re doing excellent work to keep our culture alive, but they face a major challenge: a lack of instruments,” he said. “As the saying goes, ‘an empty bag cannot stand.’”
Elder Brima made a direct appeal to the Ministry of Culture to assist local groups with basic tools and resources.
“Support our elders and help them pass their wisdom to the youth,” he urged.
Dr. Kposowai warned that foreign interest in Sierra Leone’s traditional music is growing, often outpacing local efforts to preserve it.
“Foreigners come here to learn our instruments—Shegbureh, Kele, and more. They go back, refine them, and showcase them proudly. Meanwhile, we struggle to preserve what is rightfully ours.” He also recalled the late cultural legends—Salia Koroma, Dr. Oloh, Kandeh Bureh, Fatmata Sowa, Efah Kongoma, and Sulaiman “Sullay” Conteh—who passed away without receiving the recognition or support they deserved.
“Those of us still alive face the same fate unless action is taken,” he said.
As Sierra Leone continues its journey toward national development, cultural advocates like Dr. Kposowai, Vandy Kallon, and Elder Brima Lapya are urging the government to remember that a nation’s soul lies in its heritage.
“I have served this country with honesty and dignity,” Dr. Kposowai concluded. “Please, help me serve it one more time—by passing our culture to those who come after us.”
The call is clear: preserve, invest, and celebrate Sierra Leone’s cultural legacy—before it fades into silence.