Sierra Leone hosts Freetown Music Festival this weekend

According to a statement by the organisers, Freetown Uncut and the National Tourist Board, the Freetown Music Festival is “about giving musicians, dancers and designers a platform to showcase their talents”. The annual event, the organisers say, provides ground for Sierra Leone’s artists to work their craft. “Not only do we ask our artists to perform live, we also give them the opportunity to train their live music skills and professionalise their performance," they said.

“Sierra Leone deserves a proper celebration of the amazing music and culture it has to offer. Also, by investing in the entertainment industry we encourage new talent, support established artists and attract an international and national audience.”

With entrance fee set at 5 000 leones (less than $1), the Freetown Music Festival is one of the more affordable festivals of a similar scale in Africa. The organisers said the fee was set “so that every single person in this country can afford to see Salone artists perform and have something to look forward to”.

The not-for-profit festival has a production team of mostly unpaid volunteers. The idea is to “reinvest in the cultural industry by training young talent, setting up events and organising workshops”.

For more information visit the Freetown Music Festival Facebook page.