By Ibrahim S. Bangura
FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE – Jazz enthusiasts are in for a spectacular musical experience as the Groovy Colours Band, in collaboration with the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts, hosts a special Jazz Evening on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Sierra Palms Resort along Lumley Beach.
This highly anticipated event, set to begin at 7:00 PM, promises a night of smooth melodies, instrumental brilliance, and rhythmic sophistication featuring some of Sierra Leone’s most talented jazz musicians. With an entry fee of NLe 300, the event is open to a broad audience, including music lovers, families, tourists, and supporters of the arts.
The Groovy Colours Band, celebrated for its fusion of jazz, bubu, and Afro rhythms, will headline the evening, showcasing its innovative approach to blending traditional Sierra Leonean sounds with global musical influences.
“A night of timeless jazz awaits at Sierra Palms Resort in celebration of International Jazz Day. The Groovy Colours Band and other talented musicians will light up the stage—let every note sweep you away under the stars!” said David S. Koroma, also known as Double King, the director of the Groovy Colours Band.
In addition to instrumental classics, the concert will feature vocal renditions infused with African jazz, funk, and contemporary styles, performed by saxophonists, keyboardists, bassists, drummers, and vocalists. This layered sound aims to pay tribute to both jazz legends and Sierra Leone’s rich musical heritage.
The Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts, a leading institution in Sierra Leone’s music education scene, continues to play an essential role in fostering cultural exchange and nurturing young talent. The Jazz Evening is designed to strengthen connections between artists and audiences through the universal language of music.
In recent years, jazz has been experiencing a revival in Sierra Leone, particularly among young musicians. Events like this contribute to the reawakening of live music culture in Freetown, offering an alternative to mainstream entertainment and inspiring a new wave of composers and performers.
Beyond the music, organizers hope to promote local tourism, utilizing the picturesque setting of Sierra Palms Resort—with its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean—to provide guests with a relaxed and immersive experience.
Tickets for the Jazz Evening are available at various outlets across Freetown and can also be purchased at the venue on the event day. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure prime seating and enjoy a soothing prelude to an unforgettable night of jazz.
As excitement builds, Sierra Leone’s jazz community prepares to welcome guests to an evening of music, culture, and inspiration.