By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Sierra Leone – January 25, 2026: Salone Hidden Gems, one of Sierra Leone’s emerging theatre production companies, has auditioned 91 performers for its forthcoming stage production, Song of Njama, as part of efforts to strengthen professional theatre practice in the country.
The auditions, which drew a large number of young creatives, were held in eastern Freetown on Saturday, January 24, and in the western part of the city on Sunday, January 25. According to Creative Director Sheku Limitless Koroma, only a few of the auditioned performers met the required standards, reflecting the company’s commitment to high-quality theatre.
Koroma explained that the play is inspired by the personal life experience of the company’s founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dori Massey Turay. The idea for Song of Njama emerged after Turay conducted a DNA test that revealed her Mende ancestry. The production tells the story of a woman who discovers her heritage and traces her roots to Njama, a village in the Mende region. It explores themes of diaspora identity, belonging, ancestry, and cultural rediscovery.
Turay, who has lived in Sierra Leone for the past seven years, has immersed herself in the local culture and creative industry. Koroma noted that her experiences influenced her decision to invest in theatre production and talent development. “She wants this theatre company to be among the best in Sierra Leone, capable of competing both locally and internationally,” he said.
On remuneration, Koroma assured that all selected performers will be paid, with a budget allocated to compensate everyone involved. He added that Salone Hidden Gems aims to build a theatre outfit that operates across borders and presents Sierra Leonean stories on international stages.
Turay described Song of Njama as a project born out of love, return, and recognition. “At its core, The Song of Njama is about remembering—not only for those of us in the diaspora who were taken from the soil, but also for the people who remained and were forced to survive in ways that required forgetting,” she said.
She emphasized that the play is not about blame or shame but recognition and healing. “My hope is that audiences leave feeling that something has shifted, that they have witnessed a story rooted in Sierra Leone that speaks to the global African experience,” Turay concluded.
The production is expected to contribute significantly to Sierra Leone’s creative sector by creating opportunities for young people and showcasing Sierra Leonean stories on both local and international stages.