By Ibrahim S. Bangura
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, forty-five actors and ten crew members officially signed contracts with Salone Hidden Gems for its upcoming stage production, Song of Njama. The initiative marks a major step in reviving professional theatre practice in Sierra Leone while empowering local creatives through structured employment and skills development.
The contract signing followed a rigorous audition process earlier this year, which drew ninety-one performers competing for roles. Management of Salone Hidden Gems emphasized that the selection was designed to uphold professionalism, discipline, and artistic excellence.
According to the company, the project is part of a broader strategy to contribute to national economic growth by creating employment opportunities within the creative sector. All actors and crew members will receive financial compensation covering rehearsals, performances, and related activities. In addition, participants will undergo intensive training in music and dance, with international coaches working alongside Sierra Leonean professionals to foster knowledge exchange.
Founder and CEO Dori Massey Turay urged the cast and crew to approach the project with unity and dedication. “This project is for you and for our beloved country, so let us take it with the seriousness it deserves. Every member of this production is now a family, and we must live and work as one. Through our dedication to the arts, we can change the narrative of Sierra Leone,” she said.
Inspired by Turay’s personal journey of rediscovering her Mende heritage through a DNA test, Song of Njama tells the story of a woman whose path of love and self-discovery reconnects her to her ancestral roots in Sierra Leone’s Mende heartland. The play explores themes of diaspora identity, belonging, and cultural rediscovery.
Creative Director Sheku Limitless Koroma explained that the production is more than entertainment—it is a platform for dialogue, cultural education, and sustainable creative employment. Looking ahead, Salone Hidden Gems plans cross-border collaborations to showcase Sierra Leonean stories on regional and international stages.
With contracts signed and rehearsals set to begin, Song of Njama is poised to become a landmark production, reflecting both the creative potential of Sierra Leone’s artists and the enduring power of theatre to inspire, educate, and preserve culture.