The Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts, on Saturday February 26, 2022 at the Bintumani Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown held an ‘International Music Evening’.
The Evening which was graced by over seven different nations, including: Sierra Leone, China, Guinea, India, The Philippines, Turkey, Egypt etc. brought various acts – singing, dancing, etc. through which their cultures were expressed.
The event created a friendly environment for musicians and music lovers as well as gave opportunities to musicians to network with one another.
According to Dr. Kitty Fadlu-Deen, co-founder of the Academy, the idea of holding such an event was to enjoy each other’s music and dance in a joyous time, and learn from each other.
Mrs. Anju Prithiani from India, who sang ‘Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai’, a song in memory of the famous Indian singer, the late Lata Mangeshkar, said she was very honoured to be part of the Evening. She said music as an art, always brings people together no matter the race, nationality and ethnicity. “Music is a powerful art. Musicians have died but their words and music can never die. Music creates unity and can make individuals involved in it self-employed.”
Sadiatu Sandra, a music lover, said that she did not only feel entertained but enlightened as well. She said that during the event, she forgot about all of her worries. “I did see myself in a different world while watching the performances; all of my worries were gone and I never thought of going home. Ballanta is doing an extremely great work for Sierra Leone to be specific.”
She said Ballanta could do more if many hands could come together and improve it.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Julius Spencer, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academy, thanked each and every one who was able to grace and witness the evening. He also thanked the individuals, groups and companies who always sponsor Ballanta.
He said, “I thank all of you for coming and being a part of the evening. To those who sponsored the event, thank you all. Without your support, we could not have done it. BallantaAcademy of Music survives from the support from individuals, groups and companies.”
He said that the academy would on Saturday April 16, 2022hold a performance at the Buxton Memorial Methodist Church, Charles Street in Freetown. He also announced that the songs he had sung were composed by him for the upcoming modern music drama, Gbongbosoro, which he has written, for the opening of the mini-auditorium at the Academy in May.
The management of the Academy stated, “The Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts is grateful to the sponsors: Bintumani Hotel, Brussels Airlines, Print Point, Sierra Fishing Company, Africell, Aureol Insurance Company, Commerce and Mortgage bank, Confucius Institute in the University of Sierra Leone.Also to the contributors of food and drink: Choithram’s and sons, G.Shankerdas, Dr. Adonis Abboud, Mrs. N.Ngnani, D’s Bazaar, Salvonne Bakery, Swiss Hotel, Country Lodge Hotel, Atlantic Lumley Hotel, Gigibonta, Alex’s Beach Bar, Hotel Barmoi, Crown Bakery and St. Mary’s Supermarket.”
The management said that the success would not have been possible without the wonderful spirit of support from the performers, both national and international. “To all of you, a heartfelt ‘thank you’. The staff of the academy have gone the extra mile, and the academy appreciates you all. God bless you all!!”
BallantaAcademy is the central institute for music in Sierra Leone which offers different courses in music
The academy is aimed at improving and developing music across Sierra Leone, and west Africa as a whole.
By Ibrahim S.Bangura