By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a remarkable show of support for Sierra Leone’s artistic community, several government officials have praised the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts (BAMPA) for its significant contributions to the country’s cultural heritage and the nurturing of young talents.
During a special ceremony at BAMPA’s premises in Liverpool Street, Freetown, key government representatives, including Mrs. Nabeela 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, acknowledged the academy’s outstanding impact on the national arts scene. The event also welcomed the globally renowned Kanneh Mason Family, further highlighting BAMPA’s influence.
Officials emphasized the institution’s dedication to fostering creativity, building cultural pride, and offering professional opportunities for Sierra Leone’s youth. Sierra Leone’s youth professional opportunities.
Minister Tunis, a long-time advocate for the arts in Sierra Leone, delivered a heartfelt address on BAMPA’s influence. “The Ballanta Academy has long been a beacon of artistic excellence in Sierra Leone. Over the years, it has not only educated some of our most talented musicians but also served as a catalyst for cultural exchange and innovation,” she remarked.
Dr. Wurrie underscored the academy’s contribution to the country’s educational landscape. “The Ballanta Academy provides students with the skills they need to excel not only in music but in life. The discipline, creativity, and collaboration fostered within its walls are invaluable. We are proud of the academy’s continued excellence and will ensure it receives the support it deserves.”
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr highlighted BAMPA’s role in preserving Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage and fostering professional development. She linked the academy’s work to the Freetown City Council’s 2024-2028 Transform Freetown Transforming Lives Development Plan, which seeks to enhance the tourism, arts, and culture sectors.
Founded in 1995, the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts has nurtured some of Sierra Leone’s most accomplished musicians, performers, and educators. Through a diverse range of programs, including music theory, performance, and dance, the academy has impacted countless young artists, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed both locally and internationally.
The government’s recognition aligns with ongoing efforts to revitalize and strengthen BAMPA’s infrastructure, ensuring it remains a state-of-the-art training facility for future talent. BAMPA is expanding its curriculum to include diverse genres, enabling students to engage with global music trends while preserving traditional Sierra Leonean sounds.
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.