By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts (BAMPA) proudly welcomed the renowned Kanneh-Mason family on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. This historic visit marked a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s music and arts community, highlighting BAMPA’s efforts to promote both classical and contemporary music.
Celebrated Musical Family
The Kanneh-Mason family, celebrated worldwide for their extraordinary musical talent, consists of seven siblings who have become leading figures in the classical music world. Sheku Kanneh-Mason, the family’s acclaimed cellist, gained international recognition after his performance at the 2018 royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Their visit to BAMPA provided a unique opportunity for students, instructors, and music lovers to engage with world-class musicians and explore Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage.
Warm Welcome
The auditorium was filled with joy and excitement as national and international artists performed. The welcome ceremony drew music enthusiasts, artists, and dignitaries, including Mrs. Nabila Tunis, Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs; Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurrie, Hon. Minister of Technical and Higher Education; and Mrs. Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown. These officials warmly welcomed the Kanneh-Mason family and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration.
The evening began with an energetic welcome ceremony, where BAMPA students and bands performed an exciting blend of traditional Sierra Leonean music and dance. The heartfelt reception deeply moved the Kanneh-Mason family. “It’s incredible to see such variety,” Sheku Kanneh-Mason remarked. “Everyone must take the arts seriously. I love what they are doing here and sharing it with us—that is the most important thing.”
Mesmerizing Performance
Sheku, on the cello, joined his brother Braimah, on the violin, to perform a mesmerizing rendition of “Amazing Grace,” displaying their sensitive musical abilities. Their flawless
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr expressed gratitude to the Kanneh-Mason family. “We are looking forward to deepening this collaboration through BAMPA,” she said. Minister Tunis commended BAMPA for its commitment to music and arts education, acknowledging its role in providing a platform for Sierra Leonean talent. Dr. Wurie praised BAMPA for advancing arts education, highlighting music’s role in uniting people and developing the economy.
Dr. Julius Spencer, BAMPA Board Chairman, highlighted the abundance of untapped talent in Sierra Leone. “There are so many talented individuals in Sierra Leone, but platforms to showcase their skills are limited. This visit will serve as a source of inspiration,” he said.
The Kanneh-Masons’ visit underscored the universal power of music to unite, inspire, and elevate communities. Their presence motivated students to aim for greatness and emphasized BAMPA’s pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange and artistic excellence in Sierra Leone.
About the Kanneh-Mason Family
The Kanneh-Mason family is based in Nottingham, England, and celebrated worldwide for their musical achievements. Sheku Kanneh-Mason, an award-winning cellist, gained fame after performing at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The siblings, including Isata, Braimah, Konya, Mariatu, Jeneba, and Aminata, often perform together, blending their talents to create mesmerizing musical experiences.
BAMPA’s Achievements and Future Plans
BAMPA’s academic offerings have traditionally focused on music, with students earning qualifications from esteemed UK bodies. With recent accreditation from the National Council for Technical and Vocational Awards (NCTVA), BAMPA has expanded its scope to include courses in Dance, Theatre Arts, and Film Production. This accreditation comes as BAMPA prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025.
Acting Principal Mrs. Elvira Bobson-Kamara acknowledged the long-awaited achievement. Since its inception, BAMPA has cultivated local talent and preserved West African music and dance traditions. The academy plans to introduce theater courses and continues to contribute vibrantly to Sierra Leone’s arts scene through concerts, festivals, and competitions.
BAMPA remains a beacon of cultural preservation and artistic expression in Sierra Leone. With its recent NCTVA accreditation, BAMPA is better equipped to advance its mission, championing the creative potential of Sierra Leone and solidifying its role as a vital space for arts education.