By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Members of Taylor’s Bubu Cultural Organisation have called on the Government of Sierra Leone to provide greater support for traditional musicians, warning that Bubu music could face extinction if urgent measures are not taken to preserve the cultural art form.
Speaking to this newspaper on Sunday, October 11, 2026, the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Sorie Kamara, expressed concern over the declining interest among young people in learning and sustaining the tradition.
He said the lack of financial support and recognition has discouraged many youths from embracing Bubu music, despite its importance to Sierra Leone’s cultural identity.
“We have a very limited number of young people willing to learn the music and continue the tradition. Our country is at risk. If we become too old to perform and there is nobody to replace us, the tradition may disappear,” Kamara warned.
According to him, many young people are instead turning to football, which he said enjoys greater government support and offers more opportunities for financial stability.
“Young people see footballers receiving support from the government and earning a decent living from the sport, but traditional musicians do not receive the same level of support. Sometimes we are invited to perform at official events and are not even reimbursed for transportation costs. This has happened many times,” he stated.
Kamara, who has been involved in Bubu music since 1998, explained that Taylor’s Bubu Cultural Organisation was established in 2002 and performs both traditional and contemporary musical pieces. He noted that members of the group, who are mainly tailors by profession, collectively contribute ideas and help direct songs based on their experience and creative abilities.
He also challenged what he described as negative stereotypes surrounding traditional musicians, including perceptions that they are school dropouts.
“We are not dropouts. We are preserving our culture to ensure it does not die. Every member of this group is skilled and professionally trained. We have contractors, teachers, tailors and other professionals among us. The notion that traditional musicians are uneducated is simply untrue,” he said.
Kamara stressed that preserving cultural heritage requires commitment and sacrifice, adding that members of the group remain dedicated to promoting Sierra Leone’s traditions despite the challenges they face.
He called on the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, development partners and humanitarian organisations to support traditional music groups through funding, capacity building and increased performance opportunities.
Meanwhile, 14-year-old Abass I. Kamara, who joined the organisation in 2024, said participation in Bubu music has had a positive impact on both his personal development and academic performance.
According to him, involvement in the traditional music group has not interfered with his education but has instead improved his concentration and ability to perform under pressure.
“I have loved Bubu music since childhood. Now that I have joined the group, it is helping me achieve excellent results in school. Music helps me concentrate and work effectively under pressure,” he said.
The teenager also encouraged his peers to embrace traditional music and appealed for support to help preserve the cultural practice for future generations.
“We need support from the government and anyone willing to help us preserve this tradition and encourage more young people to become involved,” he added.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns among cultural practitioners about the future of traditional arts and the need for greater investment in preserving Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage.