By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Alusine Kargbo, an indigenous musician in Freetown, has said that indigenous music could be used as a platform for traditional musicians express themselves and promote social change.
Kargbo is a drummer. He has been in this art for over ten years now.
He is of the firm conviction that indigenous music could play a role in preserving and promoting Sierra Leones unique cultural heritage and identity. According to him, Sierra Leone’s music industry has been finding it hard to get to the international platform due to local entertainers’ inability to use their culture and heritage as a springboard to launch their unique form of music. Kargbo explained that ethnic nations use music to express emotions, tell stories, pray, and communicate with loved ones. He went on to elaborate that the original soundtrack of stories is explained and encapsulated in indigenous music.
“As seen in the case of other African countries, they have been always using their culture to enrich themselves. Even in their Churches and Mosques they always praise God in their indigenous languages. They always do this as a way to reconnect with their heritage and instill a sense of pride,” he said.
He explained that drums are originally made from animal hide which had to be soaked, stretched, and then secured over a base with sinew thongs. He said that after the drums are made drummers would then decorate and personalize them.
“It is believed to be one of the oldest instruments in the world. We still need to recognize its importance. Traditional drums and our style of singing inspired modern genres of music today. Unfortunately, indigenous music and musicians do not get the credit they deserve for this vital contribution to modern music history,” he said. He added, “Musicians like Dr. Oloh, Salia Koroma, Ebenezer Calendar, among others, are all examples of great indigenous musicians whose works are good and should be preserved. These musicians incorporated storytelling, symbolism, and vocals into different genres of music. It can be heard in country, rock, jazz, and rap. Traditional drum beats can be clearly heard in jazz where four beats to the measure is widely used in many compositions. We need to preserve their legacy. This is what other countries are doing. Now, even the western world is imitating and enjoying their creativity”, he urged.
Kargbo called for change, sponsorship and demands for recognition, respect and justice for indigenous music and musicians in Sierra Leone.