By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Sierra Leone — June 6, 2026: Salone Hidden Gems brought its acclaimed theatrical production, Song of Njama, to a triumphant close with a grand finale at the Bintumani Conference Centre, delivering a powerful celebration of Sierra Leonean identity, heritage, and artistic excellence.
A Cultural Statement
More than a stage performance, Song of Njama served as a cultural statement, reconnecting audiences with their roots while demonstrating the potential of theatre to preserve history, inspire reflection, and strengthen cultural identity. Written by Dori Massey Turay, the play tells the story of a woman in the diaspora who discovers her ancestral connection to Sierra Leone through a DNA test and journeys to Njama, a village in the Mende-speaking region.
Turay explained that the production was inspired by her own experience of tracing her roots to Sierra Leone. “At its core, 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.
Reviving Theatre and Nurturing Talent
The production also sought to contribute to the revival of theatre in Sierra Leone by promoting professional performing arts practice and creating opportunities for local creatives. Following auditions in January, Salone Hidden Gems selected around 70 performers and crew members from a pool of 91 actors, dancers, and musicians.
Professional trainers were engaged to prepare participants: acting instruction by Bilal Jalloh (BJ International), music training by Lovelace Love-Harding and Pastor Dalton Petes, and dance training by Dr. H. Participants signed contracts, received compensation, and were supported with transportation throughout rehearsals — a move widely praised for its professionalism and inclusivity.
Distinguished Guests and Audience Reception
The finale attracted distinguished guests including Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Hon. Nabeela Tunis and Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr. Many attendees described the production as one of the most ambitious theatre projects staged in Sierra Leone in recent years.
Artistic Achievements and Challenges
- Script and Themes: The play explored identity, ancestry, displacement, and cultural belonging in a manner both accessible and emotionally engaging.
- Performances: Elizabeth’s portrayal of Sento and Ben Bangs’ role as Natty Bongo were widely praised for capturing the emotional depth of the narrative.
- Music and Dance Integration: Traditional and contemporary styles blended seamlessly, with instruments such as the balanji, shegureh, flute, guitar, djembe, drums, keyboard, and harmonica enriching the storytelling.
- Direction: BJ International coordinated actors, dancers, and musicians into a cohesive theatrical experience.
- Technical Issues: Sound quality challenges occasionally affected dialogue clarity and musical delivery, slightly reducing impact.
Legacy of Song of Njama
Despite minor technical setbacks, Song of Njama stands as a milestone for contemporary Sierra Leonean theatre. By combining drama, live music, dance, cultural symbolism, and historical reflection, it demonstrated how theatre can function as entertainment, cultural preservation, and social commentary.
Ultimately, the production was more than a performance — it was a celebration of Sierra Leone’s culture and identity, a platform for nurturing local talent, and a compelling example of the role the arts can play in strengthening cultural connections across generations and continents.