Sierra Leonean music in LA Times

It’s exciting and inspiring for us to see Sierra Leonean sounds featured in a prominent paper such as the LA Times. We read a piece today talking about music and its political role in Sierra Leone, a country where the divide between the educated elite and the masses leaves little room for effective criticism. Singers sometimes play a significant role in tilting the opinion through their engaged lyrics. Rather than simplify and paraphrase, read Scott Kraft‘s great piece here.

Saudades da terra do semba

Not sure who took this photo… but whoever took it did a great job. As we start 2010 we hope to get back to Luanda very soon, the music and energy were so inspiring… and as the African Cup of Nations approaches, surely the levels of energy – or straight up chaos! –  in Luanda must be reaching new highs!!!! Saudades das pessoas que conhecemos em Angola… feliz ano novo!!!