By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
The United States Embassy in Sierra Leone has announced that US based musical band, Nelly’s Echo will train 20 young people in musical composition and performance.
The Baltimore based group is expected to arrive in Sierra Leone in the first week of March, as part of their tour in West Africa.
The group will work in collaboration with popular music school in Sierra Leone, Ballanta Academy of Music.
The US Mission said in a statement that the group will visit the country as part of a cultural exchange program to foster “cross cultural communications between American artists and global audiences.”
The visit is part of a broader program known as, American Music Abroad which select American artists each year to travel the world, perform, learn and engage.
This is the first time the ban will visit Sierra Leone. Its founder Nelson Emokpae is a native of Lagos, Nigeria. In 2012 competed in NBC’s The Voice competition. His performances exposed him to stardom.
The adult alternative pop/rock band’s music is inspired by soul music and contemporary singers.
As part of their tour, the US and Sierra Leonean artists will get the chance to learn from each other.
Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy, Robert Revere said, “this will be a unique opportunity for young aspiring musicians in Salone (Sierra Leone) to experience and interact with American musicians. And as with most of our exchange programs, we expect the Americans will learn equally as much from the Sierra Leoneans they will work with.”
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