The following is from the South Orange Performing Arts Center
Formed in a West African refugee camp, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have risen from the ashes of war to bring the world songs of hope, faith and joy. The South Orange Performing Arts Center is proud to present this extraordinary band on February 15 at 7:30 p.m. Acclaimed Jazz radio station WBGO on-air host Sheila Anderson will moderate a Q&A after the performance.
Tickets are $30-$35. To purchase, contact SOPAC at (973) 313-2787 or visit www.SOPACnow.org.
Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and matured into one of Africa’s top touring and recording bands. The All Stars sample the musical stylings of Sierra Leone, accompanied with demonstrations of unique styles and a conversation on the role of music in Sierra Leone’s society. Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars are advocates for the ever-increasing millions of refugees worldwide and exemplify the redeeming power of music.
Ruben Koroma and his wife Grace left Sierra Leone in 1997 and found themselves in the Kalia refugee camp near the border with Sierra Leone. When it became clear they would not be heading back to their homeland anytime soon, they joined up with guitarist Francis John Langba (Franco), and bassist Idrissa Bangura (Mallam), other musicians in the camp who they had known before the war, to entertain their fellow refugees. When a Canadian relief agency donated two beat up electric guitars, a single microphone and a meager sound system, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars were born. With an awesome blend of African music, reggae and other roots influences, the All Stars display the ability of the human spirit to persevere through unimaginable hardship and emerge with optimism intact. After a 10-year adventure that has taken them from the squalor of refugee camps to the world’s biggest stages, Africa’s most inspirational band continues to ascend as they share their message of peace and hope.
A multi-faceted author, producer and jazz lover, Sheila Anderson is the host of “Late Night Jazz,” WBGO’s Saturday night show that takes listeners on a musical journey that personifies her passion for the genre.
SOPAC programs are made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is a 501(c)(3)charitable organization. SOPAC received funding through a grant from the NJ Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism, visitnj.org.
