By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Solomon Fatoma, widely known by his stage name Solo’s Beat, recently made a significant appearance at the World Music Scoring Association event hosted by the prestigious Berklee College of Music. The event, which drew influential figures from the global music industry, provided a platform for Solo’s Beat to highlight Sierra Leone’s rich musical heritage on the international stage.
As one of the few Sierra Leonean representatives at the event, Solo’s Beat underscored the growing efforts of Sierra Leonean musicians to promote their country’s indigenous sounds to a global audience. In his presentation, he emphasized the deep cultural and historical importance of Sierra Leonean music, calling for renewed efforts to preserve and promote the country’s musical traditions.
“Traditional Sierra Leonean music is not just a reflection of our past but a beacon for the future,” Solo’s Beat passionately stated during his address. “Our music is a path forward, showing the world the unique and vibrant culture Sierra Leone has to offer.”
Beyond his role as a musician, Solo’s Beat is the co-founder of Telem Uncommon Sounds, a music company established in 2021 with the mission to revitalize Sierra Leone’s music scene. The company provides a platform for local artists to create experimental music rooted in traditional Sierra Leonean sounds, offers training in songwriting and production, and organizes live events to enhance the country’s musical vibrancy.
Through his involvement in the World Music Scoring Association and his work with Telem Uncommon Sounds, Solo’s Beat continues to play a critical role in promoting Sierra Leonean music internationally. His participation at the Berklee event not only amplified Sierra Leone’s cultural legacy but also reflected the potential for the nation’s music to gain recognition on a global scale.
As Solo’s Beat pushes forward with his mission, his work remains an inspiring testament to the power of Sierra Leone’s music, both as a link to the past and a powerful tool for future cultural and artistic growth.