ENTERTAINMENT
Sierra Leone’s Gospel Diva Headlines ‘Taste of Africa’ Benefit Concert in Winnipeg
Posted by David Mahdi Koroma on Nov 8, 2007, 03:47
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With a voice so sugary and melodic and with songs so inspiring few would contest that Sierra Leonean gospel artist Vicky Fornah is a diva in her own rights.
From her absolute mastery of the afro-beat gospel music genre the artist who gave us “Cry Africa’ has not only carved a name for herself but has taken Sierra Leone gospel music to an unprecedented level. A feat that is yet to be broken by any artist in the blossoming music industry in Sierra Leone.
With roots firmly embedded in the church (her father was a devout Christian) Vicky Fornah started singing at the early age of twelve as a member of the Wesleyan church choir. It was here that her passion for songwriting and singing attracted the attention of the choir master who encouraged her to record an album.
Fourteen years later she was able to achieve her dream she recorded her first album “God has a plan for you.” Though the album did well in the markets and was received with rave reviews it was her second album “Hold my hand” that would solidify her career and make her a household name in Sierra Leone and Liberia. With hit songs like ‘Cry Africa’ ‘Dis world’ ‘Me fren’ and ‘Take it away” the album became one of the best selling album of all times by a Sierra Leonean artist. The album also won her numerous music awards including the Premier Award artist of the year 2003.
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| Vicky Fornah sandwiched by Sierra Leoneans on arrival at the Winnipeg International Airport |
Vicky Fornah will bring to life on stage “Cry Africa’ and many other tracks, including some from her new album ‘my wedding day’ this Saturday 10th November in Winnipeg, Canada. She will headline the “Taste of Africa” benefit concert organized by the Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba (SALNAM) in partnership with Hands Of Hope Inc.
The benefit concert which will take place at the Winnipeg Worldwide Church of God, 50 Barnes Street will also feature African dance groups from Sudan, Liberia and Sierra Leone. According to the President of SALNAM David Mahdi Koroma proceeds from the concert would go towards Hands of Hope humanitarian work in helping the needy in Winnipeg and SALNAM’s education project which involves the sponsoring of poor students to attend post secondary institutions and the provision of used computers to the Government Technical Institute in Freetown. “We are killing two birds with one stone by helping our Winnipeg community through Hands of Hope and at the same time giving back to our poor folks back in Sierra Leone.” David Mahdi Koroma said.
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| Vicky Fornah with President of Sierra Leone Nationals Association Of Manitoba(SALNAM) David Mahdi Koroma |
Vicky, who arrived in Winnipeg on Tuesday 6th November, said she is excited to be part of this humanitarian venture and has promised to give an electrifying performance. “My mission is to conquer the Winnipeg crowd” she said. The gospel diva whose songs are about love,social injustice, war, poverty and the suffering of children will release her new album “My wedding day” in Freetown, Sierra Leone in December 2007.
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| Vicky Fornah with one of SALNAM's adviser Abdul Sheriff Kamara |
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| Vicky Fornah sandwiched by Sierra Leoneans on arrival at the Winnipeg International Airport |
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| Vicky Fornah with SALNAM's Development Committee Chairman Muckson Sesay |
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