By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Kambia, Sierra Leone – In the rural heartland of Kambia District, the soulful echoes of traditional instruments like the balangi, kora, and drums are fading, raising concerns about the survival of Sierra Leone’s indigenous music traditions. Once central to cultural ceremonies and storytelling, traditional music is now struggling against the dominance of digital beats and Western influences.
Sixty-four-year-old kora player Alhaji Musa of Rokupr remembers a time when traditional music was the heartbeat of his community. “Our music was our history, our identity. But now, it feels like nobody listens anymore,” he lamented.
For musicians like Musa, cultural survival is an uphill battle. Groups such as the Wulenten Cultural Troupe, once vibrant performers at festivals and social events, now face financial difficulties and dwindling opportunities. “The youth call us old-fashioned,” said singer and dancer Fatmata Conteh. “But if we stop, who will continue?”
Lack of Support Threatens Indigenous Art Forms
Despite their role in preserving Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage, traditional musicians have received little institutional backing. A 2022 report by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs revealed that less than 10% of the national arts budget is allocated to folk musicians, many of whom live in rural areas.
Recognizing the urgency of the issue, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Hon. Nabeela Tunis recently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing indigenous music. “We cannot afford to lose our culture. We are working on community-level programs to support folk musicians, establish cultural centers, and integrate traditional arts into national festivals and curricula,” she stated.
Hope Through Innovation and Digital Engagement
Despite the challenges, efforts to keep traditional music alive are gaining traction. The Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Freetown has launched outreach programs that blend ancestral rhythms with contemporary sounds such as Afrobeats and hip-hop, making the music more relatable to younger audiences.
Additionally, local radio stations in Kambia have introduced weekly segments like “Heritage Hour” to showcase traditional musicians from across the country, providing them much-needed visibility. Social media influencers are also playing a role, sharing clips of performances on TikTok and Facebook, sparking renewed interest in cultural sounds.
Musa and fellow musicians remain hopeful but urge more action. “Our music needs to be taught in schools, played on the radio, and supported by the Ministry,” Musa stressed. “If we lose this music, we lose who we are.”
As Kambia navigates modernization, the fight to preserve traditional music remains a struggle not just for melodies, but for identity and cultural memory.