Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Gumbe Fusion Centre is set to host a special event titled ‘Insai D Nature Corner,’ spotlighting the acclaimed Sierra Leonean musician David Solomon Koroma, popularly known as Double King. The event, scheduled for Friday, November 1, 2024, will take place at the Logie Wright Auditorium, Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts (BAMPA) in Freetown.
‘Insai D Nature Corner’ is part of an ongoing series by the Gumbe Fusion Centre, an organization committed to promoting Sierra Leonean music with a focus on indigenous genres. This event is dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Sierra Leonean music, particularly the Gumbe Fusion genre, which has deep roots in the Sierra Leone Creole community.
Double King, a renowned advocate of Gumbe Fusion, will headline the evening with live performances, alongside other prominent Sierra Leonean artists. The event promises not just entertainment but also an educational experience, highlighting the cultural significance of local music and its role in preserving the nation’s identity.
Gumbe, known for its vocal and percussive style, has historically been linked to nationalist sentiment in Sierra Leone. Its origins trace back to the Jamaican Maroon ancestors of the Sierra Leone Creole people, and it has been popularized by legendary musicians such as Ebenezer Calendar and Dr. Oloh. Through events like this, the Gumbe Fusion Centre aims to preserve and promote these traditional sounds, ensuring they remain a vibrant part of Sierra Leone’s cultural landscape.
Double King emphasized the dual purpose of the event, stating, “This event will not only entertain and educate the audience but also underscore the importance of indigenous Sierra Leonean music in preserving our cultural identity and promoting our country on the global stage.” He added that the evening would feature original compositions, blending traditional and contemporary sounds.
Double King has been a steadfast promoter of local music since the beginning of his career, often fusing Gumbe with other genres like Milo Jazz. His work reflects a deep commitment to showcasing the uniqueness of Sierra Leonean music. “While many Sierra Leoneans enjoy foreign music, we want to show that our local songs have something equally special and distinctive,” he said in a previous interview.
The upcoming event builds on the success of a similar 2022 showcase, which received widespread praise for its focus on indigenous music. Fans and music enthusiasts lauded the effort and called for more such events in the future.
Double King, who is also a tutor at BAMPA and the Chief Executive Officer of the Gumbe Fusion Centre, has played a pivotal role in reviving and promoting Sierra Leone’s musical heritage. As the leader of BAMPA’s premier band, Groovy Colours, and a versatile musician, songwriter, and vocalist, he has produced several popular tracks, including ‘Gumbe Dance,’ ‘Take My Hand’ featuring Rozzy, and ‘Bless Me.’
The ‘Insai D Nature Corner’ event is expected to be a landmark in the ongoing efforts to celebrate and preserve Sierra Leone’s musical traditions. Double King urged fans and music lovers to attend, saying, “This event is an opportunity for us to connect with our roots and appreciate the beauty of our traditional music.”
With the continued support of the Gumbe Fusion Centre, Double King and other artists dedicated to indigenous music are ensuring that Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage remains vibrant and relevant for future generations.