By Hassan Gbassay Koroma
Sheku and Braimah Kanneh-Mason performing at the welcome event
The Ballanta Music Academy has warmly welcomed the renowned Kanneh-Mason family, celebrated for their extraordinary musical talent and vibrant heritage, to the homeland of their ancestors.
This celebrated British family has traveled to Sierra Leone to reconnect with their roots, immerse themselves in the local culture, and honor the sacrifices made by those who came before them.
The welcoming ceremony was held at the Ballanta Music Academy’s Liverpool Street office in Freetown. The event featured cultural performances, melodious traditional music, and captivating dance routines. It was graced by government ministers, diplomats, and other dignitaries.
The Kanneh-Mason family comprises seven siblings, each excelling in music. They have performed on international stages and at prestigious events worldwide.
During the event, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, highlighted the immense pride the family has brought to Sierra Leone. She emphasized their global achievements as a testament to the country’s rich heritage and potential.
Dr. Wurie commended the family for representing Sierra Leone’s vibrant culture and showcasing its ability to inspire and contribute on the global stage. She also praised the Ballanta Music Academy for its pioneering efforts in transforming the performing arts narrative in Sierra Leone. According to her, the Academy not only nurtures talent and creativity but also fosters national pride and social cohesion.
Dr. Wurie emphasized the transformative role of performing arts education in national development, highlighting its power to foster unity, preserve culture, and promote peace. She further noted the economic opportunities within the arts sector, which equips young people with vital skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and self-expression.
The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, expressed Sierra Leone’s pride in the Kanneh-Mason family. She reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to showcasing the nation’s rich culture to the world.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a celebrated cellist, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome. He shared the family’s excitement about reconnecting with their Sierra Leonean heritage and provided a brief account of their ancestral ties to the country.
