By Ibrahim S. Bangura
The sun rose over Kabala on the final day of December, casting a golden glow over Sierra Leone’s largest northern town. Excitement was palpable as crowds gathered for the highly anticipated end-of-year cultural festival. The festive occasion has become a symbol of unity, peace, and shared heritage. As the day progressed, Kabala transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. The serene streets throbbed with rhythmic drumbeats and melodic flute notes. Traditional musicians, draped in richly patterned attire, took center stage. Their electrifying performances captivated the crowd. Laughter, applause, and feet tapping in rhythm filled the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. Every corner of the festival grounds offered something to marvel at. Dancers in radiant costumes moved with precision and grace, their colorful garments flowing like water. The resonant tones of the balafon added harmony to the dynamic cacophony of celebration. Vendors lined the open spaces, selling traditional foods and crafts, while attendees from all walks of life watched with rapt attention. Each cheer and round of applause reaffirmed the festival’s message: tradition has the power to unite and inspire. Adding an international dimension, cultural groups from neighboring Guinea graced the stage. Their dynamic performances bridged borders and highlighted shared West African ties. The thunderous beats of Guinean drummers and the spirited movements of their dancers drew enthusiastic applause, strengthening regional camaraderie. Balla Mansaray, affectionately known as Karamoko Jabbie, moved through the crowd with pride. As the festival’s Managing Director, he was instrumental in its success. Speaking to Premier News, he reflected on the festival’s dual purpose: entertainment and education. “This platform not only entertains but also teaches the younger generation about Sierra Leonean culture. At its core, the festival promotes peace, the foundation for any nation’s development. Inviting our Guinean brothers and sisters’ spreads love and unity,” he explained. The festival honored its founder, Mr. Laurence Teteh Kargbo, whose vision brought the event to life. Mansaray expressed gratitude, saying, “We appreciate his commitment to creating this festival, which continues to bring people together.” For Mohamed Jalloh, a performer from Guinea’s Yamakala Fula music group, the event went beyond entertainment. “Cultural events like this inspire peace and development,” he remarked, filled with hope for the future. During the festival, Anthony Lansana, Chairman of the South East Kungbakisia Association, emphasized preserving Mende traditions. “We inherit this culture and must maintain it,” he affirmed. He explained the significance of their four main masquerades: Goboi, Nafai, Falue, and Jobolie. “Goboi is the star but tires eventually, allowing Nafai to step in. Nafai keeps the entertainment going, while Falue, loved for its playful nature, protects against harm, including black magic. Jobolie, the storyteller, leads with captivating narratives and songs.” Lansana described the decorations’ significance. “The raffia acts like an air conditioner. The more the masquerade sweats, the cooler it gets, enabling it to dance from dawn to dusk,” he noted. He highlighted the Shebureh’s role, where the lead singer controls the rhythm using the largest Shebureh, guiding the performance. Beyond cultural importance, the Shebureh provides income. “We grow and harvest Shebureh on our farms, selling them to groups across West Africa,” he said. This celebration underscored the resilience of Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage. Despite modernization, communities like the Mende honor traditions through music, dance, and storytelling. These performances preserve the past while fostering unity and pride, proving culture’s power to bring people together. Attendees expressed gratitude to the organizers, calling for more festivals to foster unity. “This festival helps us live as one happy family, which will bring development,” said Marie Marrah, a delighted attendee. She urged the government to support cultural artists, emphasizing the role of tradition in strengthening society. As the sun set, the festival concluded, leaving echoes of drums, flutes, and shared laughter. It was more than a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of identity, unity, and hope for Sierra Leone’s future. edit and concert to news story
Kabala’s Year-End Cultural Festival Celebrates Unity and Heritage
By [Your Name]
Kabala, Sierra Leone (31 December 2024) – As the sun rose over Kabala on the final day of December, it cast a golden glow over Sierra Leone’s largest northern town, setting the stage for the much-anticipated end-of-year cultural festival. The event, more than a festive occasion, symbolized unity, peace, and a shared heritage.
Throughout the day, Kabala transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. The once serene streets throbbed with rhythmic drumbeats and melodic flute notes as traditional musicians, draped in richly patterned attire, captivated the crowd with their electrifying performances. Laughter, applause, and rhythmic foot-tapping filled the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
Every corner of the festival grounds offered something remarkable. Dancers in radiant costumes moved with precision and grace, their colorful garments flowing like water. The resonant tones of the balafon added harmony to the dynamic celebration. Vendors lined the open spaces, selling traditional foods and crafts, while attendees from all walks of life watched with rapt attention. Each cheer and round of applause reaffirmed the festival’s message: tradition has the power to unite and inspire.
Adding an international dimension, cultural groups from neighboring Guinea graced the stage. Their dynamic performances bridged borders and highlighted shared West African ties. The thunderous beats of Guinean drummers and the spirited movements of their dancers drew enthusiastic applause, strengthening regional camaraderie.
Balla Mansaray, affectionately known as Karamoko Jabbie and the festival’s Managing Director, reflected on the festival’s dual purpose of entertainment and education. “This platform not only entertains but also teaches the younger generation about Sierra Leonean culture. At its core, the festival promotes peace, the foundation for any nation’s development. Inviting our Guinean brothers and sisters spreads love and unity,” he explained.
The festival honored its founder, Mr. Laurence Teteh Kargbo, whose vision brought the event to life.
Mansaray expressed gratitude, saying, “We appreciate his commitment to creating this festival, which continues to bring people together.”
For Mohamed Jalloh, a performer from Guinea’s Yamakala Fula music group, the event was more than just entertainment. “Cultural events like this inspire peace and development,” he remarked, filled with hope for the future.
During the festival, Anthony Lansana, Chairman of the South East Kungbakisia Association, emphasized preserving Mende traditions. “We inherit this culture and must maintain it,” he affirmed, explaining the significance of their four main masquerades: Goboi, Nafai, Falue, and Jobolie.
Lansana detailed the decorations’ significance. “The raffia acts like an air conditioner. The more the masquerade sweats, the cooler it gets, enabling it to dance from dawn to dusk,” he noted. He highlighted the Shebureh’s role, where the lead singer controls the rhythm using the largest Shebureh, guiding the performance. Beyond cultural importance, the Shebureh provides income. “We grow and harvest Shebureh on our farms, selling them to groups across West Africa,” he said.
This celebration underscored the resilience of Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage. Despite modernization, communities like the Mende honor traditions through music, dance, and storytelling. These performances preserve the past while fostering unity and pride, proving culture’s power to bring people together.
Attendees expressed gratitude to the organizers, calling for more festivals to foster unity. “This festival helps us live as one happy family, which will bring development,” said Marie Marrah, a delighted attendee. She urged the government to support cultural artists, emphasizing the role of tradition in strengthening society.
As the sun set, the festival concluded, leaving echoes of drums, flutes, and shared laughter. It was more than a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of identity, unity, and hope for Sierra Leone’s future.
Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring celebration.