By: Sheku Putka Kamara
I have made a deliberate attempt to explicate the significance of education and entertainment in this article and my hypothesis is clearly predictable. I here submit that in the quest to entertain people, adding up some educational lines should be fine. It adds value if you ask me. So, be it music, comedy and all other forms of entertainment, how best could we all inculcate the habits of making sure that the agendas are equally educational after being humoristic and as expected, entertaining?
In Sierra Leone, there is likely the urge to suggest that there is need for some form of improvements in maybe all sectors and like I had submitted in previous perspectives, we could learn a thing or two from sister and advanced nations. This is not to say that we are to ‘entirely copy’ others. I’d get back to this in a jiffy, but I am saying that if there are ‘good examples’ out there, there is no harm to use related approaches, not exact ones to get the job done too in this part of the globe.
In Music, our artists, producers, musicians etc should note take things for granted. If you cannot feel the impact of the song you have written, of what relevance will it be to promote or record same? It does have to be all about dance and beats. They’re important pillars, but ‘messaging’ is equally important if not more important. In Nigeria for example, you are likely not going to blow if your song has ‘no message.’ With the death of MohBad, the world got to feel a taste of what the guy was for example. It was as if he knew that he wouldn’t stay on planet earth that long. He was an entertainer, but his messaging was top-notch. Sadly, most people learnt about him after his passing. In Sierra Leone, popular musician Famous recently released a track titled ‘One Life.’ In that song, there were ‘beats and messages.’ The song was able to inspire people whiles encouraging them to believe in aspirations and to get things done. Cool J and Innocent released ‘Prove Dem Wrong’ and that was another banger where both artists made a case on how the stones builders refused became head corner stones. When Emmerson was revolutionizing the space, hardly would anyone not talk about him. With tracks like ‘Borbor Bele, Borbor Pain, Swegbeh, 2 Foot Arata’ etc, Amidu Bockarie was able to touch on issues of good governance whiles urging government to do more. I could bring out lots and lots of other examples. This basically makes a case that our artists and musicians have to be ready. They should be prepared. The profession has to be treated with passion and not levity. So, it is wise for artists to ask themselves some of these questions. It makes sense.
In Comedy, class acts continue to set the pace. Sabinus, Brain Jotter, Kiriku, Broda Shaggi etc are shining lights. They have been able to use crafts to pass on vital messages. That is not to say that all of the contents have stood the test of time, but you could see the efforts and relentless hard work that goes into what they do. To those people, comedy is seriousness business. One may argue that it is because they have the industry, the individuals and the capacity. That is understandable, but as Sierra Leoneans, we can do better too. Creativity matters in all of this. When the job is well done, it is easier and simpler for people to appreciate. Our industry may not be as big as others’, but like I would always say, let’s make do of what we have. It is normally said that use what you have to get what you want. It’s all about planning and packaging. Again, branding matters. Why would a whole celeb lack a team or even just a small management? These are things that others overlook, but they are really important. This is why I am hopeful that Kao as Entertainment Ambassador and team will be able to pull things through and get an entertainment commission. We have to start somewhere. When there are laws, policies and other guiding principles, regulation will be easier and better. Otherwise, some of the issues we are currently faced with will continue to take centre stage.
In Sports, we have seen how global stars make money, but also lending voices and creating the necessary impact on the global stage. Education! Here, we may still have some catching up to do, but starting small is not a crime. Again, it’s all about serious business. How ready are some of our stars to maintain the pace and stay on top of their games? Christiano Ronaldo (CR7) is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time because of his unmatched hard work, commitment and discipline. The man is almost 40, but he still has the urge to compete. Even with all he has, he is still doing more. If it were for riches and luxury, we should just relax and enjoy, but no! He knows that he has a legacy to protect and maintain. In fact, he is poised to even share the pitch with his son. You see that? Having a purpose in life in every crucial.
If I am to go back to all of the above listed pointers, it is safer to note and restate that having a purpose in life is very essential. People need to evaluate themselves and maybe this is not just for our entertainers. All of us should. Like I have severally observed, all may not be well in Sierra Leone, but there are things we could do to get same right. That is not too much to ask for.
Entertainment should be serious business. As a result, all of that which seeks to improve standards should be looked into. This is important for growth. We may not be there yet, but just if we do some of the essentials, we should be there in no time. To the fans and other industry players, supporting and rooting for class acts should not be much of a big deal!
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times Week end Newspaper on Friday 13th October, 2023 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
