By Ibrahim S.Bangura
On Monday February 12, 2024, His Excellency, President Brig. (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio, appointed Alhaji Amadu Bah, popularly known as LAJ, a renowned local rapper, as Peace Ambassador to foster peace in Sierra Leone and peace-related matters abroad.
The appointment came few months after the rapper received a Presidential pardon which ensured his release from the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown, where he was serving a 9-year jail term after he had been convicted for assault.
According to a statement from the Office of the President, LAJ is charged with the responsibilities to promote peace, reconciliation, and unity within Sierra Leone and peace-related ideas internationally.
Also, he has the responsibilities to foster a culture of peae, promote tolerance as well as facilitate peaceful conflict resolution. According to the letter, “I write to inform you that it has pleased His Excellency the President, Brig. (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio to appoint you as Peace Ambassador. Your duties will include, among others, the following: assist in the promotion of peace, reconciliation and unity in Sierra Leone, and peace-related matters abroad; assist in building peace cultures, enhance tolerance and support peaceful resolution of conflict.”
In response to his appointment, LAJ expressed his appreciation and avowed his commitment as a peace ambassador to fulfil his duties comprehensively. “I promise to work diligently towards fostering peace and harmony both domestically and internationally,” he said.
The rapper has over the years released many songs that have made it to the national and international markets. Songs like, ‘Freedom’, ‘Say no to Kush’, ‘Lollipop’, among others.
LAJ is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of the Red Flag Movement (RFM), one of the renowned music record labels in Sierra Leone.