By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone, has officially unveiled its Bicentenary Anthem as part of activities marking the institution’s forthcoming 200th anniversary celebrations.
The bicentenary programme, which runs from July 2026 to February 2027, will feature public lectures, academic conferences, cultural festivals, sporting events, alumni engagements, and community outreach before culminating on February 18, 2027—exactly 200 years after the college’s founding.
The anthem, written, composed, and performed by the Magical Podium Students, pays tribute to FBC’s legacy of academic excellence, leadership, and service while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to preserving the institution’s heritage.
The unveiling ceremony, held at the FBC Multipurpose Hall, brought together university leadership, staff, students, alumni, and members of the Bicentenary Committee for the anthem’s first public performance. The event also showcased student artistry, including a poem by Hawanatu Bangura and a flute performance by I-Bangs from his forthcoming EP Footprint.
The anthem project was fully sponsored by Paul Conteh, popularly known as “Octopus,” a former FBC lecturer and pioneer member of the Magical Podium now based in the United States. It was produced by renowned music producer Solomon Fatoma (Solo’s Beat), who blended traditional Sierra Leonean musical elements with contemporary African sounds to reflect both the college’s heritage and its vision for the future.
Rev. Harding, Chairman of the Sports and Entertainment Sub-Committee, praised the students’ creativity, describing the anthem as a meaningful contribution to one of the college’s most historic celebrations. Deputy Registrar Brima Bah called the unveiling a “landmark moment,” noting that while FBC has long had an official college song, the Bicentenary Anthem provides a unique musical identity for the 200th anniversary.
Professor Isha Ibrahim Fornah, Chairperson of the Bicentenary Committee, emphasized that the celebrations are intended to highlight both academic excellence and student talent. She urged staff, students, and alumni to embrace the anthem and actively participate in the bicentenary calendar.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew C. M. Mbayo commended the students’ innovation, describing the anthem as more than a song. “It represents both Fourah Bay College and Sierra Leone. Through your creativity and commitment, you have demonstrated the role young people can play in national development,” he said.
The unveiling signals FBC’s readiness for its bicentenary, with the anthem expected to become a lasting symbol of the institution’s legacy. As the celebrations unfold, the college aims to showcase its dual heritage of scholarship and creativity while reinforcing its role in shaping Sierra Leone’s future.