By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts (BAMPA) celebrated a historic achievement on November 8, 2024, as it officially received accreditation from the National Council for Technical, Vocational, and Other Academic Awards (NCTVA). This honor empowers BAMPA to award nationally and internationally recognized certificates, enhancing its stature as a leading institution in Sierra Leone’s arts and cultural sector.
The accreditation ceremony was held at BAMPA’s Liverpool Street campus, where Dr. Julius Spencer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, accepted the certificate on behalf of the Academy. The event was attended by key NCTVA representatives, including Mrs. Adama Bannister, Mr. M.S. Kamara, and Mr. Komba David Moiwa, who conveyed congratulatory messages from NCTVA leadership. Kamara praised BAMPA for its role in advancing the performing arts, stating, “A country’s cultural arts are vital to its identity and development.”
Dr. Spencer highlighted the transformative impact of the accreditation on BAMPA’s ability to professionalize arts education in Sierra Leone, noting, “BAMPA’s doors are now open wider than ever to infuse rigor and structure into arts training.” With this recognition, BAMPA plans to expand its curriculum to offer structured courses in Music, Dance, Theatre Arts, and Film Making. The accreditation marks a timely milestone as BAMPA approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025.
Previously focused on music, BAMPA has prepared students for qualifications with international bodies like the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Now, with expanded offerings in theater and dance, BAMPA aims to nurture new generations of artists, adding depth to Sierra Leone’s artistic landscape. Acting Principal Elvira Bobson-Kamara expressed pride in the Academy’s progress, calling the accreditation a “long-awaited achievement.”
Beyond academics, BAMPA has shaped Sierra Leone’s arts scene through concerts, festivals, and competitions, nurturing talents like Drizilik and Rozay. With this accreditation, BAMPA strengthens its role as a cornerstone of cultural preservation, advancing Sierra Leone’s creative potential on both local and global stages.
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