Welcome to the New People Online. The driving force behind the New People is our belief and commitment to the ideology of the founding fathers of our nation Sir Milton Margai, Kandeh Bureh and all those great leaders before them who contributed to the building of our nation.
Fans and contemporaries have been paying tribute to the king of pop - who has died at the age of 50. But what did Michael Jackson think of his own life and career?
Here - with the help of his music, and archive images from the days of the Jackson Five to the present - he reflects on his own vulnerabilities. .....SEE SLIDE SHOW
Abdul Tee-Jay hails from Sierra Leone although his parents and hence his full name, Tejan-Jalloh, come from Guinea. At a very young age, somewhat secretly, Abdul learnt to play guitar. At that time there was music coming into the port of Freetown from many different regions such as soukous and high-life, traditional and popular as well as local musicians: Abdul was influenced by all of these sounds and joined local bands. His family were all very academic and he also went to study in Virginia, USA in 1974. While there he took the opportunities to learn more guitar, use better instruments, joined a band called Spice and learnt to play the dulcimer.
In 1979 Abdul came to Britain to work in banking but met other musicians and decided to form a band. This was called African Connection but then in 1982 he felt the need to concentrate on more typical African music, and a pan-African band, African Culture, came into being. Even this was not quite satisfying and at a turning point Abdul resolved to base all his music on Sierra Leone street- and folk music. At this point, 1988, the name of the band changed to Rokoto, the nickname of part of Freetown. Abdul Tee-Jay and Rokoto, a seven-piece band, brought out 3 albums, Kanka Kuru, Fire Dombolo and E'Go Lef Pan You (see below and CDs) and have toured extensively to many countries. The band entertained at the Hogmannay celebrations in Edinburgh to bring in the New Year of 1999. More recently Abdul's music is still evolving because he now includes
beautiful acoustic palm wine music. For the group Palm Wine A-Go-Go he sings and plays acoustic guitar and has just one or two other musicians on stage with kongoma (bass thumb piano), kondi (thumb piano) and drums. In 2001 they were at London venues such as the Barbican Free Stage and Coin Street Festival. Whether with his full band or the smaller acoustic group, Tee-Jay's voice and music is truly distinctive. A new CD, Rokoto Make Me Dance-Dance has a selection of 12 dance tracks taken from each of Abdul's 3 albums. Currently he is recording both acoustic and electric sounds but is determined to play more palm wine music so that it may live on! Look out for Abdul's new acoustic album Palm Wine A- Go-Go available now! In 2004 Abdul performed at London's African Music Festival in May.
Profile: Sierra Leone's New Musical Sensation
3.07.2008
DJ LULU
The Sierra Leonean Girl Who Could One Day Rule The Music Industry
by ahmed sahid nasralla
(de monk)
Have you listened to the music of Sade Adu, the Nigerian-British singer?
Then you must have felt the impact of a voice so soft, confident and sweet; and a face that genuinely supports all that. A voice that keeps on humming in your head after you first hear it, locked forever in the stereo of your soul.
Admittedly, that’s the power or spirit of DJ Lulu’s music as she announces her arrival on the music stage with her maiden album ‘Na Me Cam So’.
The 14 track album, to be released next Monday by Super Sound, embodies the determination of a girl who could soon go greater places and share the stage with the world’s biggest music names.
‘Na Me Cam So’ is a combination of Zouk, Hip Hop, Reggae, Ragamuffin and dancehall.
Apparently, her promos- title song ‘Na Me Cam So’ and ‘To ma len gba’- have taken over the airwaves, taxis and poda-podas stereos, and home sets- relegating to the background recently released hit songs by Alonzo, Shadrack, K-man, Pupa Baja, camouflage, et al.
The album is an all star cast featuring the Sugar man Succulent (‘Menteh Menteh Me’), Star Zero/Hero (‘Paddy’), ragamuffin sensation Base Aphonix (‘Biya’), Funky Fred of the Jungle Leaders (‘I’m in Love’) and Shine De God’s Son (‘Na de Club’). All songs in the album were recorded at the esteemed Bodyguard Studio, except ‘Biya’, which was done at Studio J. Apart from checking the local stores and supermarket for a copy of the CD, many are already looking forward to DJ Lulu’s launchings. The VIP launching has been confirmed for the 9th of February at Old Skool night club and the public launching at the humble grounds of Attouga mini stadium on the day we all care about- February 14th 2008, Valentines’ Day.
Born Anita Sabra on December 18th 1985 to a Sierra Leonean mum and a Lebanese father, DJ Lulu has never been a disc jockey. She says ‘DJ Lulu’ is only a pet name which never gets away. She actually dreamt of becoming a dee jay, but so far that’s not likely.
DJ Lulu’s initial contact with music started during her school days, taking part in miming and dancing competitions. She attended the Methodist Girls High School up to SSIII and sat to a private WASSCE two years ago. She says she wants to do some computer training after her launchings.
DJ Lulu’s music idols include US songstresses Brandy and Beyonce Knowles. Locally she admires Willy Jay.
Regarding her title song ‘Na Me Cam So’, DJ Lulu tells KES:
“It’s a song of hope. It brings hope to the hopeless.
It warns you not to look down on others today, because you don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”
Before going to work on her album, DJ Lulu was first featured by the group SQB (Squad Black) in two of their songs- ‘Belleh Wahala’ and ‘Vex Take’- in the album ‘Mo Fire’ in 2005.
One of the many credentials that sets DJ Lulu apart is that she can dance well. Her beauty and model figure are added advantages. Soon we may see her face splash across the capital on billboards of a leading mobile company. She’s here.
D-Ex-3 - "Salone Girls" and the Bold Experimentation with Cross-Atlantic Musical Genres
2.17.2008
Sierra Leone's young musicians are experimenting very boldly with a cross-cultural blend of trans-Atlantic musical genres. Here, the trenchant rythms of Jamaican dancehall especially Mr. Vegas' hot-wrenching "Tek Weh Yuhself" dance style overlaid with indigenous Sierra Leonean dancehall chants. It is a cultural contribution to world pop music with a slight social critical edge to the praise heaped on our Salone beauties.
In the following video, brought to our readers courtesy of YouTube, KallboxX Records Promotions puts D-Ex-3 (Daddy Ish, Sheng Daddy, Father Gee, & Majeed) on show.
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On June 25th, 2009, the world lost a friend. Michael Jackson was a friend of humanity. Those who truly understood him knew that his most gratifying work was focused on caring for the less fortunate. Some may say unfortunate things about him because they don’t understand him. It is in some Human’s Nature to get satisfaction from destroying others. Some people did get satisfaction from seeing him struggled for the last 15 years, after two bogus accusations. That was envy, jealousy, and the typical plight of being Black in America. Sometimes, things like that make you want to Scream.
On hearing the rumor that Michael Jackson was in the hospital, I prayed for him to be strong and Beat It. However, the Lord had other plans for him. That evening, I received over 70 calls and text messages immediately after Jermaine Jackson officially announced his death. After about the fortieth or so calls, I realized that the people who were calling me were fans of Sierra Leone’s Solid Gold Dancers (SGD). As soon as these people heard the message of Michael’s death, they had instantaneous reflections of their earlier encounters with Michael Jackson and the Jacksons through Sierra Leone’s teenage idols, SGD of 1980s.
SGD was formed in 1982 by Barby, Boney M, and Junior Siafa. Junior Kallon, Eddy Boy, Kofi and the Twins later joined the group. At the peak of the group’s fame, SGD was known as the Jacksons of Africa, with Junior Siafa known undisputedly as the world’s best interpreter of Michael Jackson’s electrifying Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough moves. SGD performed for top dignitaries in Sierra Leone and Guinea. One of those performances was for President Momoh in 1985. The group was one of the opening acts when Lagoonda Entertainment Complex was newly opened along side imports from Paris. The group did a show for the Guinean TV station in 1986 that was marketed as far as Saudi Arabia. Their favorite performances were school shows at the end of the school years. These performances include shows at St. Joseph Covent, Annie Walsh, Girls High School, FSSG, and many other secondary schools. The group also performed across Sierra Leone, and they were the favorite in Bo, Kenema, Kono, Makeni, Kambia, and many other towns. The group won the 1985 Progress Award for the best group in the country. SGD was well known for mastering the Dangerous gravity defying steps of Michael Jackson and the Jacksons .....(Read More)
International Recording Artist Brings His Brand of Reggae to Freetown
Charlotte, NC, USA – International recording artist Calvin Curtis Whilby (a.k.a. “Prodigal Son”) comes to Sierra Leone for a series of four FREE concerts in Freetown. Performances will be held Wednesday through Sunday, 5-8 March at the Brima Attouga Kamara Mini Sport Complex beginning at 6:00 PM nightly.
Prodgal Son has shared the stage with such renowned artists Jimmy Cliff, Destiny’s Child, Jermaine Jackson, Maxi Priest, Fred Hammond, Shaggy, Junior Gong, Beenie Man, Bounti Killa, Regina Belle, Calypso Rose, Barrington Levy, Luciano and more.
Performing at sold out venues spanning crowds as huge as 150,000, Prodigal has performed at events such as Antiguan Governmental Celebrations (Caribbean), International Reggae Festival of Life (Chicago, USA), Fun in the Sun, Recharge, and Sting (Jamaica), France World Cup Qualifier Match (Jamaica vs. Mexico), Air Jamaica sponsored UK Tour, Israel & New Breed Tour (Jacksonville, USA) and many other international events.
Prodigal Son has gained the respect of both fans and critics winning numerous awards including Jamaica Federation of Musicians Best New Artiste, Marlin Award for Outstanding Reggae Recording of the year and Outstanding DJ Vocal Performance of the year, Marlin Award for Best Dancehall Recording for 2004, and Canadian Maja Award Album of the Year 2006.
These special performances in Freetown are sponsored by Ben Cerullo Ministries. Prodigal Son will be performing live each night at Freetown Miracles & Healing Crusade March 5-8, 2009.
To schedule a media interview with Prodigal Son or to obtain high-resolution graphics, contact Melissa Prince at
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Read more about Shabaka
His music has been described as poignant, churning, lilting and heartfelt. The Washington Post said, "If West African born singer/songwriter Freddy Shabaka doesn't win listeners over with his words, the odds are good he'll do it with his music . . . Shabaka knows how to make his point effectively on several levels as a singer, songwriter and arranger." Shabaka was born Frederick Cole in Freetown, Sierra Leone. His music has a Reggae and African flavor that is both authentic and compelling. Shabaka's music has political, social and Rasta anthems that figure in the mix. The songs are thoughtful and no matter how impassioned the message or how diverse the elements, the music has a sunny allure that's hard to resist. The strength and richness of Shabaka's vocals, the soulfulness of his voice and the power and passion in which the songs are delivered are a treat to all who listen.
Shabaka, who is from the Creole people of Sierra Leone says, "My ancestors were descendants of freed African American slaves, Maroons from Jamaica and freed Africans who were returned to Freetown when the slave trade was abolished. This African ancestral mix is reflected in the music I make." The influences of great reggae singer/songwriters like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, and Burning Spear are evident in Shabaka's music, however, his style and authenticity ushers in a new chapter in the marriage of reggae music and African rhythms.
At the age of nine, Shabaka formed his first band called The Black Sparrows. He and his band mates put on shows with instruments they made from cardboard, cups, pots and pans. During his college years he was the lead singer of Fusion, a nine-piece reggae/afro-funk band that he formed with friends. They were known for their grand live performances. Shabaka's first recording, "Free," spawned two number one hits in Sierra Leone “Dem Nor Wan Dance" and "Goombay Jamming." The CMJ New Music Report described the tape as ". . . the best self produced demo tape I have received all year . . . the single, "Dem nor wan dance" deserves to be heard on dance floors, radio stations and boom boxes nationwide . . . The fact that he remains unsigned is as amazing as the churning, lilting, heartfelt music that Freddy creates on Free." Shabaka's last CD, "A Chapter of Roots" received a great deal of airplay on college radio stations and introduced many Reggae lovers to his music. On this CD he collaborated with a brilliant Cameroonian guitarist and producer Henry Tanash, whose guitar skillfully weaves through each song. Shabaka's music has deep and driving bass lines, that are kept in check by the drums and an array of African percussion, topped off with sweet, simple horn and string arrangements.
Shabaka's new CD the "Black Loyalist" was inspired by the fascinating story of Thomas Peters, a man captured in Nigeria in 1760 and brought to North Carolina as a slave. He and others secured their freedom in 1776 when they fought on the side of the British during the American revolutionary war. They were called the Black Loyalists. On January15, 1792, Peters led a contingent of 15 ships carrying 1,196 blacks to create a new settlement in West Africa. They named it Freetown, presently the capital of Sierra Leone. The story was told beautifully in a recent book called "Rough Crossings" by renowned historian Simon Schama.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade. As part of the commemoration, a replica of the Amistad ship will retrace the route used by slave traders across the Atlantic Ocean. In December 2007, the Amistad will dock in Freetown, Sierra Leone and Shabaka's "Black Loyalist" will be used as the official song to commemorate this historic event. This will mark an important moment in Shabaka's career, as this album not only celebrates Sierra Leone's history it speaks to its present and hopes for its future. In "See Dem a Come," Shabaka sings of the recent civil war in Sierra Leone and the use of child soldiers; "Who is the Enemy" is a commentary on the corruption of African leaders; "African Spirit" is a song of inspiration for the children of Africa; and "Mr. Jackson" chronicles the return to the continent of an African-American from Mississippi.
"Black Loyalist" was recorded and mastered at the legendary Lion and Fox recording studios in Virginia with Jim Fox at the controls. It was produced by Shabaka and Henry Tanash. They perform with 3 new artists: the young, beautiful and talented Latin singer Nyl Medina; hip-hop sensation Joaquin; and the upcoming King of Dancehall, Sprouty. All the songs were written and arranged by Freddy Cole Shabaka.
Freddy Shabaka Cole and Thomas Peters
2.7.2008
Historians usually under play the cross transfers in the diaspora as former natives became resettlers in their own motherland by the cruel twist of two centuries of chattel labour and dehumanisation.
Sierra Leone born native, frederick Cole, now known as Shabaka re-vists and re-narrates that history with passion and poignancy in his latest release.
Entertainment / Culture 
