Date: Sunday, November 16, 2014
Time: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Place: Met Café, 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI
Band: Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars
The Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars will play a benefit performance for the Rhode Island-based Foundation for West Africa on the Sunday, November 16th from 4 to 7 pm. at the Met Café in Pawtucket. Proceeds from the event will help Rhode Island-based Foundation for West Africa provide equipment and emergency support to community radio stations that are providing life-saving information to the people of Sierra Leone and Liberia during the Ebola crisis.
“We are honored to team up with the Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars to help radio stations produce Ebola-focused programs in West Africa,” notes FWA president Topher Hamblett. “Radio is the only means of mass communication in these countries. Radio journalists are among the heroes taking great risks to get and provide information, and helping international health agencies deliver critical messages on Ebola prevention and treatment. But, these radio stations are in remote areas and have little means to support themselves during this crisis. For many stations, equipment is failing at a time when they are needed most”
The Foundation has already helped Radio Moa 105.5 FM secure a new generator, voice recorders and motorcycles for reporters that allow them to reach remote regions in Eastern Sierra Leone, where Ebola has hit especially hard. Radio Moa is one of 27 member stations of the Sierra Leone’s Independent Radio Network (IRN).
According to Ruben Koroma, lead singer of the Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars, “Normally we would be completing our tour and heading back to in Sierra Leone at this time of year, but we are staying because of Ebola. Our families back home need us to provide for them, so we are performing in the United States and sending support to them. We are staying with friends in Rhode Island for now, and we are happy to help out radio stations in our country by playing at this event.”
Admission to the November 16th event is $20, and $15 for students with ID. All ages are welcome. Tickets are available on line at www.tfwa.org or at the door. Doors open at 4 pm. Music begins at 5 pm. Food and beverages can be purchased at the Met Café.
About the Foundation for West Africa: The Foundation for West Africa is a Rhode Island-based, non-profit organization that supports radio stations and networks that are helping to build peace, democracy and hope in Sierra Leone and Liberia. FWA raises and grants funds for equipment and training, and is now helping radio stations stay on the air and expand their reach. FWA was founded by Rhode Island native Topher Hamblett, who served in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone from 1985 to 1987. He visits West Africa every year. For more information, visit www.tfwa.org
About the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars: Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have formed in refugee camps during Sierra Leone’s 1991-2002 civil war. They have since toured the world and inspired audiences with their songs of resilience, hope and joy. The band is a potent example of the redeeming power of music and the ability of the human spirit to persevere through unimaginable hardship and emerge with optimism intact. For information visit http://sierraleonesrefugeeallstars.com/home
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