By Eagleville
Freetown, 25 April 2026 – Ibrahim S. Bangura, popularly known as I-Bangs, has made history by staging Sierra Leone’s first-ever flute concert, inspiring young people to embrace the arts and expanding the country’s musical landscape.
The event, titled “I-Bangs Live”, was held at the Logie Wright Auditorium in Freetown and drew a full house of music lovers, government officials, and civil society representatives. Sponsored by the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts (BAMPA) and Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, the concert featured supporting performances from international and local talents, including German brass expert Stephan Flore, BAMPA co-founder Dr. Kitty Fadlu-Deen, Double King of the Groovy Colors Band, percussionist Jeremiah Mattia Sesay, poet Sierra Phoenix, and the Voice of Fire Junior Choir.
Dr. Kitty officially opened the concert, praising I-Bangs for his dedication and mentorship journey at BAMPA. The repertoire ranged from classical pieces such as “My Heart Will Go On” to contemporary works like “Papaoutai”, showcasing I-Bangs’ mastery of the flute. His original composition, “My Culture”, blended the flute with traditional instruments such as the djembe and balanji, earning strong praise from attendees.
Artist’s Journey
In his remarks, I-Bangs expressed gratitude to his mentors, supporters, and fans, noting that the flute remains his primary focus despite his training in multiple instruments. “Of all the instruments I have learned, the flute is my major. I love it because it is not common among Sierra Leonean musicians. Many focus on the keyboard, guitar, and drums, but I want to change that narrative,” he said.
He credited BAMPA for his structured training and certifications, adding that the academy’s guidance enabled him to pioneer Sierra Leone’s first flute concert. His achievements include participation in Vocal Drift Season 3 in 2018 and Britain’s Got Talent in 2024, where he showcased both flute and vocal abilities.
Stephan Flore described the initiative as “a really nice idea to introduce the flute to Sierra Leone,” while urging BAMPA to expand outreach in schools. Dr. Julius Spencer, BAMPA Board Chair, commended I-Bangs’ talent, calling his performance “remarkable” and urging parents to support children’s artistic ambitions.
Entertainment veteran Mariam Deen echoed the sentiment, saying: “I have never witnessed such a concert in my life. What a talent! I-Bangs is incredibly gifted and deserves strong support.”
I-Bangs’ journey began in 2015 as a vocalist before expanding into keyboard, guitar, and flute. Alongside his musical career, he holds a Diploma and Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Fourah Bay College and has worked in journalism and media.
The concert was not only a personal achievement but also a cultural statement, placing the flute at the center of Sierra Leone’s musical innovation and inspiring aspiring musicians to dream bigger.