By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Sierra Leone — October 3, 2025: In a powerful fusion of art and advocacy, the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts (BAMPA), in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone, officially launched the “GBV Music Competition” on Friday at the Ballanta Logie Wright Auditorium. Dubbed Sing Against GBV, the initiative aims to harness the transformative power of music to raise awareness and campaign against gender-based violence (GBV), with a special focus on digital violence targeting women and girls.
The launch event featured a stirring performance by BAMPA’s premier band, Groovy Colors, including an original composition addressing GBV. The competition, themed Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls, is the first of its kind in Sierra Leone and is open to young Sierra Leoneans aged 18 to 35. Participation is free, and entrants are required to submit a three-minute original song recorded via phone or any available device.
Registration opens on Sunday, October 5, and closes on Friday, October 31, 2025. Submissions can be made via an online form or WhatsApp at +23276111882 or +23288591619. Prizes include NLe 30,000 for first place, NLe 20,000 for second, and NLe 10,000 for third, along with a one-year music scholarship at BAMPA and professional studio recordings of the winning songs.
Madam Elvira Bobson-Kamara, Principal of BAMPA, described the competition as a “powerful new platform” for youth to address a pressing national and global issue. “Music is powerful because even when someone is hurting, the sound and mood can help address issues in a way that makes the message easier to receive,” she said.
European Union Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Jacek Jankowski, emphasized the urgency of tackling digital violence. “Digital violence, including cyberbullying, harassment, and deepfake technology, can silence women’s voices and alienate them from society,” he stated. He cited global studies indicating that up to 58% of women and girls have experienced some form of online violence and referenced the EU’s Spotlight Initiative launched with the United Nations in July 2025, which focuses on prevention, protection, and survivor support.
Dr. Julius Spencer, Chairman of BAMPA’s Board, highlighted the Academy’s commitment to using the performing arts for advocacy. “Music and the performing arts can draw attention to an issue, change mindsets, and spread awareness more powerfully than traditional methods,” he said, adding that the youth-focused approach is key to shifting societal attitudes.
Program Manager Leslie Cummings-Wray outlined the competition’s four-phase structure: initial teasers, application and submission, shortlisting of eight qualifiers, and a final live performance at the Freetown City Council on December 12, 2025. He emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader, long-term campaign that may expand into other art forms in future editions.
The event concluded with a unified commitment from BAMPA, the European Union, and attendees to make Sing Against GBV a nationwide success.
Founded in 1995 and named after pioneering Sierra Leonean composer Nicholas G. J. Ballanta, BAMPA remains the country’s leading institution for music and arts education. It offers a wide range of programs including music theory, voice training, instrumental lessons, dance, and composition, serving individuals, churches, and school bands across Sierra Leone and West Africa.