Make Sierra Leone Famous

Join me for Part II of a conversation with one of my favorite writers and cultural historians, Ade Daramy. We’re talking about Ade’s life and work, building community for and with Sierra Leoneans in the UK diaspora. I first talked to Ade on our October 29th episode about April 27 1961, and the early years after Independence when under the leadership of Sir Milton Margai, Sierra Leoneans believed e...

In conversation with Akindele Decker co-author of "20 Icons of Sierra Leone Who Shaped History".Vickie kicks off this conversation with  Akindele’s home leaving story and quest to maintain a Sierra Leonean identity in the diaspora.  They duo also share their experiences tracing their families’ genealogy from West Africa to the New World, and immortalizing Sierra Leoneans in books to remi...

In conversation with Hindolo Pokawa founder of Sierra Leone Foundation for New Democracy as he prepares to walk 315 miles from Kailahun to Freetown in solidarity with victims of sexual violence. Hindolo shares his childhood memories growing up in a house with defined gender roles, domestic violence, and toxic masculinity. We discuss the burden of womanhood in Sierra Leone, lost indigenous values t...

In conversation Joseph Ben-Kaifala founder of the Center for Memory and Reparations Sierra Leone. Remoe and Kaifala explore the origins of the war, the way people forget and remember, and the lessons from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission that Sierra Leone has yet to put into practice to consolidate peace and national healing. Kaifala’s survivor story starts when as a boy, he and his fathe...

In conversation with Journalist, and Historian Ade Daramy we discuss his life’s work documenting Sierra Leone’s history and excellence from Pre-Independence to Post. Born five years before Sierra Leone gained Independence, Daramy shares his childhood memories going back to a time when Sierra Leoneans believed they could do anything under the leadership of the First Prime Minister Sir Milton Margai...

Fambul Tok for Girls - A special Make Sierra Leone Famous community radio program in partnership with Save The Children to mark International Day of the Girl 2020 in Sierra Leone. The average pass rate for National Primary School Exams in the Southern Province is 65% but in Save The Children's Accelerated Education Program in Pujehun 91% of students pass. In this community radio program in Pu...

Vickie Remoe travels to the village of Magbele--her maternal homeland-- for a conversation with Bai Suba Bolt III, a chief from the Kabia ruling family of Lower Marampa in Port Loko District, Northern Sierra Leone. Listen for stories that explore how Port Loko got its name, the beliefs and secret societies of old that continue to this day, and how families in line for the chief's throne wait...

Inside Freetown's Oldest Church built by Jamaican Maroons travel back in history as we explore slavery, freedom, and architecture from 1808 to present day Sierra Leone. In conversation with Aron Strong of St. John's Maroon Church we discuss religion, identity of the Early Settlers, and cultural preservation. For more information on St. John's Maroon Church: https://bit.ly/3fmoApyTo...

In conversation with Mrs. Daphne Barlatt Pratt we explore the orginations of the Krio language, its influence on the identity of Krios, and its growth as the primary spoken language in Sierra Leone. Mrs. Pratt is a poet, and a Krio language teacher. She is the founding principal of Limount College, which was established in 1996 after she left the International School. For More Writings & Poetr...

In conversation with Mohamed Lumeh, Gola Historian & Conservationist at Sierra Leone's last remaining site with primary forest in Kenema District. We visit the ancient Gola Gravesite to learn about the legend of King Fombo who chose freedom over submission during the 16th Century Mane Invasion, and discuss the mysticism of Mende Warriors. We also explore the rich flora, fauna, and ecotour...

In conversation with Medo Kuyateh and Alpha Kandeh, Yeliba Praise Singers from the Court of  King Alie Balansama Marah III of Koinadugu District, Northern Province. We discuss Sierra Leone’s Yeliba Culture, Oral History, the mythical origin of the Balangi. Yeliba singers keep the history of kings also known as paramount chiefs through song and spoken word; from one generation to the next.

A conversation with 92-year-old Cassandra Garber, President of the Krio Descendants Union. We discuss freedom, identity, religion, and the culture of the Krios of Freetown from the Early Settlers to the Post Colonial Era. Mrs. Garber is an educator, a historian, and one of Sierra Leone's most brilliant minds.