Kushe Magazine April 2013 Issue 1 Vol 1 | Page 49

The Sierra Leone Association of Artists and Musicians( SLAAM) is a professional trade organization whose mission is to provide a forum for the advocacy of Sierra Leonean music and artistic talent and to promote public awareness of the genre to support the creative and economic viability of professionals in this field. SLAAM was founded in June 2011 by Sierra Leone Gospel Artist Giileh Kebbie Scholz, Edward Kargbo( Bizo The Mayor), Franklyn Baker( Papa Tee), Med Tutu, Shaka Sesay, and JayArr. Its Board of Directors span the three major countries highly populated with Sierra Leoneans; London, Sierra Leone, and America.
In Dec 2012 history was made as some of Sierra Leone’ s legendary entertainers were honoured by SLAAM in Washington, DC. The well anticipated event instantly boosted the image and membership of the organization. In January 2013 members of the entertainment industry in London met with Gospel Artist Giileh Kebbie Scholz to create an alliance of the SLAAM organization in the UK. Following subsequent meetings, it was rumoured that SLAAM UK would be led by legendary godfather of Sierra Leone music and SLAAM gospel music award winner Collins Pratt. SLAAM supporters are waiting to see what is in store for the organization in 2013.
49