By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone — For decades, music has served as a profound tool for storytelling, cultural preservation, and social change in Sierra Leone. From the golden days of weekend gumbe dances to the influence of renowned West African musicians, the country’s rich musical history has shaped generations. One individual deeply connected to this legacy is Anthony Seydu Zachariah Jalloh, known professionally as Seydu. His journey reflects both the struggles and triumphs of Sierra Leonean music.
As a dedicated palm wine musician, Seydu has carried his nation’s traditional sounds across the globe, ensuring their survival and recognition on the international stage. Palm wine music is a fusion of diverse musical influences, reflecting the social and cultural interactions of its time. It evolved primarily among the Kru people of Liberia and Sierra Leone, emerging in the early 20th century in the port cities of West Africa.
Reminiscing about his childhood, Seydu recalls a time when Sierra Leone’s music scene thrived with both international and local influences. In an interview with Premier News on February 2, 2025, Seydu said nostalgically, “I remember when musicians from Mali, Guinea, and other parts of West Africa performed in Sierra Leone.” He was particularly inspired by legendary figures such as Salif Keita and other Malian and Guinean artists. These experiences laid the foundation for his deep appreciation of traditional music and set him on a lifelong path of musical exploration and preservation.
Unlike many contemporary artists who gravitate toward pop and Afrobeats, Seydu takes pride in preserving and promoting palm wine music—a traditional Sierra Leonean genre characterized by its soothing acoustic melodies and storytelling lyrics. “This is my place of strength. I represent palm wine music, which is our national, free, simple, and basic Sierra Leonean music style,” he states. His commitment to authenticity extends beyond just performing; he plays indigenous instruments like the Saman harp and Bongoma drum, instruments he has personally crafted to keep their legacy alive.
His dedication to music led him beyond Sierra Leonean borders. With a scholarship to study at Trinity School of Music in London, followed by further studies at the Conservatorio Español de Madrid, his career flourished. In Spain, he collaborated with renowned musicians and even toured with global icons like Stevie Wonder, further cementing his place as a significant figure in world music.
Despite gaining international recognition, Seydu acknowledges the challenge of not being fully appreciated at home. “They say you’re not recognized in your house, but outside, people know who you are,” he muses. Nevertheless, he remains steadfast in his mission to promote Sierra Leonean music and ensure its cultural significance is acknowledged worldwide.
One of his most defining career moments was receiving the award for Best West African Music in Germany for his album Diamond Tears. “This album represents the sorrow my nation endured during the Diamond War,” he explains. Through his music, he sheds light on the devastating effects of the conflict, countering narratives that reduce the war to tribalism. To him, it was a struggle over the country’s vast natural resources, and music serves as a tool to educate and heal.