On Thursday night, a group of African musicians and former refugees, known as Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars performed an inspired show to an enthusiastic audience. Their message of hope and love despite hardship resounded in the hearts of every audience member.
The musical inspiration all started when two musicians, Rueben Koroma and Francis Langba from Sierra Leone, Africa were forced to flee their homes and live as refugees in nearby Guinea. In the refugee camp of Guinea the friends began to play music to provide a source of happiness amidst the violence and hardship that plagued their daily lives.
Their band quickly grew with new members and with newfound fame as they traveled to other camps. The band attracted attention from American documentary filmmakers Banker White and Zach Niles. The filmmakers followed the band around from camp to camp for three years documenting their positive impact on the war-torn communities. After the violence had subsided, the United Nations sponsored a trip for the group to return to their native Sierra Leone to see for themselves that the war was over.
Thanks to their support from home and abroad, the group was able to record their debut album, Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars. The band performed their first show in the United States at Knoxville's own World Grotto. Now they are in the middle of their fourth American tour. They continue to grow in popularity.
I think it's time for everyone to get on the floor and dance! Rueben Koroma
On Thursday night, the African reggae band played an inspired show at the Cox Auditorium in the Alumni Memorial Building. The enthusiastic band appeared in red and black traditional African garments to greet an eager crowd. As the other members started to play, Reuben, the lead singer, skipped onto stage in a shiny pink and silver suit.
They delivered an amazing performance to an excited audience. Their set was filled with guitar solos, rapping, and even creative dancing. An hour into the performance, they put down their regular instruments and all started playing their traditional African drums and singing in harmony.
After a brief encore break, Reuben said, "I think it's time for everyone to get on the floor and dance!" And on cue nearly everyone was on their feet, waving their hands in the air and dancing in the aisles. The dancing crowd ranged from students wearing Bonnaroo t-shirts to elderly couples holding hands. It was a show that everyone could enjoy.
Afterward in the tour bus Reuben elaborated on the band's goals for the future of his native Sierra Leone. "We want to establish music school and open windows for nation. I trust if we send out a message to fans, they will help the young ones." By building a music school in his native country he hopes to give the gift of music to children who would miss out otherwise. If their popularity continues to grow as fast as it has, they will surely be able to build their music school and much more.
For more information about Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars visit their website or check out their award winning documentary. Also, their most recent CD, Living Like a Refugee, can be found online.
