By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone – December 12, 2025: The Lyrical Three, a musical group made up of three young women, has emerged as the overall winner of the European Union (EU) and Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts National Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Singing Competition. The initiative aimed to raise awareness and inspire collective action against gender-based violence in Sierra Leone.
The grand finale, held at the Freetown City Council Auditorium (City Hall), attracted music lovers, government representatives, civil society organizations, development partners, and members of the public. The event formed part of activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The competition was adjudicated by a panel of experienced music professionals, led by renowned musician James Laundeh as Chief Judge.
- The Lyrical Three – Winner, awarded NLe 30,000
- Alie Baminhoma – Second place, awarded NLe 20,000
- Othman Tao – Third place, awarded NLe 10,000
Other contestants received consolation prizes in recognition of their efforts.
Eight finalists competed in the finale: Mohamed Alhaji Lenox Kamara, David Kallon, The Lyrical Three, Abraham E. S. Pratt, Othman Tao, Alie Baminhoma, The Shout Music Ministry, and Daniel Sesay.
Music as a Platform for Change
Launched on October 3, 2025, the competition attracted 107 video submissions nationwide from Sierra Leoneans aged 18 to 35. From these, eight finalists were selected by a five-member panel with expertise in music, performance, and social-impact advocacy.
Speaking at the event, Madam Bobson-Kamara, Principal of the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts, described the competition as more than a celebration of music.
“It is a platform to lift voices, break silence, and stand in solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence,” she said.
She commended partners including the EU Delegation, Play for Change Foundation, and United Bank for Africa for supporting the use of art as a force for social transformation.
EU and Government Perspectives
EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski praised the initiative as an effort to create “a new soundtrack for change.” He emphasized that gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally and warned that violence thrives in silence and shame.
“Music gives a voice to the voiceless, challenges harmful norms, and promotes healing,” he said, commending Sierra Leonean youth for their strong participation.
Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, described sexual and gender-based violence as a grave violation that weakens families and erodes society. She revealed that between 2023 and 2025, a total of 183,000 cases of SGBV were reported nationwide—a figure she called deeply alarming.
She highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to international frameworks such as CEDAW, the Beijing Declaration, SDG 5, the Maputo Protocol, and the ECOWAS Gender Policy, alongside national legislation like the Sexual Offences Act (Amended, 2019).
“Laws alone are not enough. Ending gender-based violence requires collective responsibility, community action, and cultural transformation,” Dr. Mahoi stressed.
Conclusion
As the evening closed, speakers and performers urged citizens to reflect on the powerful messages delivered through music and commit to building a Sierra Leone where women, girls, and children live in dignity, safety, and peace.