Author: ©️ George Ojuku Momoh
For centuries, music has been an important tool when it comes to shaping any nation, people, tribes, religions,etc. It’s widely recognized as a key tool for passing on important messages.
Messages that could heal the soul,mourn a beloved, cause a revolution,spread love,end a war,and even create a sustainable impact in the lives of all who listen.
Unlike other countries, Music has been one of Sierra Leone’s strongest cultural, social,and political voices. From the sweet beat of traditional drums in the provinces, political influences, gospel hymns, reggae influences, and modern afro beat, it has long been a medium of storytelling, unity,moral teachings and spiritual reflections.
However,in recent years, there has been a huge shift in the music landscape leading to the emergence of what’s known as “DIRTY MUSIC.”
This sudden shift in the music niche has ignited deep concern, debate, and reflection among parents, artists, religious leaders,educators and society at large.
In this article,I’ll be talking about the roots,causes, impacts, and moral implications of this Dirty Music.
History of Music in Sierra Leone.
Traditionally, Sierra Leonean music was very educative and filled with purpose. The artists, storytellers,griots, etc. sang not only to be heard but to communicate better messages. They used songs for several reasons, some of which are, to preserve history,teach moral values, encourage unity and hard work,warn against social evils and to teach moral values.
The musicians that sang during the post-independence freedom and colonial era sang songs that addressed themes such as, corruption, freedom,love, community Life, and hope. Music was so very important that even during the civil war it was used as a tool for healing,peace building and resilience. The lyrics carried deep meaning, responsibility and depth.
Unlike today,music wasn’t just entertainment,it gave instructions on various areas.
What is “Dirty Music”?
“Dirty Music” refers generally to songs that carry explicit sexual language,vulgar expressions, promotion of drug abuse, violence and immorality, disrespect towards women,elders,social values, shallow messages focused solely on pleasure and fame.
How did dirty music arise in Sierra Leone?
Dirty Music didn’t just rise overnight,key factors contributed to it.
First of which is,
1. Globalization and Media Influence.
This is a key factor which has helped destroy the music landscape in Sierra Leone.Foreign music trends which glorify drugs,sex,fast living,etc have influenced the artists of today. Without proper cultural filtering, the above styles were copied without responsibility or context.
2. Weak recognition and Accountability.
The absence of a strong content regulation,parental guidance and radio control has allowed explicit music to spread freely on social media and air waves.
3. Moral and spiritual decline.
The bible reminds us “Out of the abundance of the heart,the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) As society drifts away from strong moral and spiritual values,the consequences are seen in the arts.
4. The pressure and urge for fame and survival
A good number of upcoming artists these days believe that controversy sells. Being that the opportunities are limited these days,shock value is often seen as the easiest way to get attention.
The Impact On Society
Dirty Music travels far more than we ever imagine. It goes beyond sound and rhythm:
1. On the Youth: it reshapes their language, behavior, thinking and dressing. They then begin to see immorality as normal.
2. On Women: Many of the songs sung these days serve as tools which reduces women to nothing. They strip them off dignity.
3. On Spiritual Life: The perplexual exposure of vulgar and indecent contents dulls the conscience and distances one from God.
4. On Culture: The respect for elders, indigenous values and norms,and moral disciplines become weakened.
Sierra Leone can’t rise above the values it constantly sings, celebrates and dances to.
Long before the emergence of this Dirty Music,there were voices which made an impact in Sierra Leone’s music landscape. They sang songs not only to be seen but to educate,liberate,elevate,warn,heal and inspire the people and the country as a whole. They served as social commentators,moral teachers and conscience of the Nation.
Some of the voices were;
1. Emerson Bockarie. He was popularly respected and known back then in the 90s as the people’s conscience. His songs fearlessly and vibrantly addressed corruption and bad governance, hypocrisy and poverty, social injustice,the suffering of ordinary citizens and many more. Emerson used truth, courage, and wisdom to convey his messages. Some of his songs such as “Borbor Pain,” “Torture,” “Munku Burst Pan Matches,” and “Fake Life” didn’t reply on vulgarlity to gain attention or fame but all were just real and told the stories as they were. His music forced leaders and listeners to amend their ways and think deep before any decision. He proved Music could challenge anything while maintaining dignity.
2. Lansana Sheriff( Steady Bongo)
Steady bongo and other cultural performers used traditional music as a tool for passing messages about Respect for culture,unity and discipline, African identity,etc. Their Music kept on reminding Sierra Leoneans of who they were before foreign influence destroyed their indigenous values.
3. S. E. Rogie
S. E. Rogie who was a master of palm wine Music, sang songs which spoke about Love with responsibility, community Life, Human struggle,moral reflection and many more. His sweet calm melodies and meaningful lyrics showed that Music could be powerful even if it is soft. He sang music with the moral dept.
4. Allo Brown
Allo brown,who was a master in Traditional Storytelling,used storytelling through Music to convey and pass down humor, wisdom,and social guidance. His music served as a town voice for elders, reminding the youths of societal expectations and consequences.
5. Civil war era Music
During the civil war, many artists rose and served as doctors. Using Music to heal the broken minds of the people. They used their music to call for national unity, comfort affected families, encourage peace and many more.
Despite the difference in genre,all these artists shared core values which were, purpose over popularity, message over money,wisdom over money and respect over vulgarity.
What’s the way forward ?
Music I believe is a gift from God. We see in the bible how music was used by David to heal, worship, and calm troubled spirits. This is the same as today,many see music as their own peace. Some take it as their hobbies and mostly children of these days lean on Music for exposure and a means to socialize with others.
If the youth, women and society continue accepting this then I’m afraid there’ll be a fractured tomorrow and even our unborn babies won’t be happy for us allowing this pass through.
So I believe
1. Artists must choose purpose over popularity.
When this happens then there’ll be a good country to present out there. Trends come and go but legacy lasts forever. An example is Emerson Bockarie,Steady bongo and many others. Though we’re in the 20s but their legacies still shine forth, competing with the current ones.
2. Parents and guidance must be at alert.
Monitoring what children listen to is not oppression, it’s oppression.
3. Media Houses Must Act Responsibly
Radio Stations, DJs,promoters should prioritize songs that promote the nation,not destroy it.
4. Government and cultural bodies Must enforce standards
Freedom of expression must walk hand in hand with responsibility.
5. Youths must be taught discernment.
Not everything that’s trending in and out of the media is valuable,must put focus on what’s important. Know what to accept and reject.
Sierra Leone is a nation with talented individuals. If society chooses to uplift substance over noise,values over vanity and purpose over profanity, Music can once again become a powerful force for education, inspiration and national rebirth.
Let’s not forget, who we identify ourselves as today, is who our children will see us as tomorrow.
@George the invisible writer
