Freetown, September 2026: Indian music stars Riyana Raj and Nodal Rahman recently engaged students and staff of the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts (BAMPA) in a vibrant cultural exchange designed to deepen appreciation between Sierra Leonean and Indian musical traditions.
With over two decades of international experience, the visiting musicians shared insights on the role of discipline, culture, and education in building successful careers in the creative industry. The session featured live performances, vocal exercises, and interactive discussions that underscored the power of music to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
Representing BAMPA, flautist Ibrahim Sheku Bangura, popularly known as I‑Bangs, performed two Indian songs—Tum Hi Ho and Jhoom Jhoom Jhoom Baba—alongside his original composition New Hope. During Jhoom Jhoom Jhoom Baba, Raj and Rahman joined him on stage, creating one of the most memorable highlights as students sang and danced. The duo also performed Tum Hi Ho accompanied by pianist Frederick Savage, while student Binta Barrie added her own rendition of an Indian song to warm applause.
The exchange flowed both ways. Raj challenged students to showcase Sierra Leonean music, prompting performances of Caboh Kabɔ and Wi Leck lɛk wi Salon, which delighted the guests. Raj and Rahman then introduced students to Indian vocal exercises and Carnatic classical traditions, emphasizing how technical mastery of pitch, rhythm, and genre forms the foundation of artistic expression.
“Discipline is essential for anyone hoping to build a successful career in music,” Raj told the students. “You must master pitch control, rhythm, and the genre you want to sing. Then you can add feeling to the music you want to do.”
Rahman stressed the importance of education and vocal health, cautioning singers against habits that could damage their voices, including excessive consumption of spicy foods, cold water, alcohol, and smoking. “Education is the key,” he said, urging students to combine confidence with continuous learning.
The academy’s Acting Principal, Leslie Cummings‑Wray, expressed gratitude to the visiting musicians and the Indian community for their contribution. “The academy appreciates you for visiting us and sharing your thoughts with us. We are looking forward to seeing more of this,” he said. Gifts were presented to Raj and Rahman as a gesture of appreciation.
The event reinforced BAMPA’s commitment to cultural exchange and professional development, offering students a rare opportunity to engage directly with international artists and broaden their musical horizons.