Photos: Brad Hodge

There is no better reason to see a musical performance, than “It’s free”.   Especially when that gratis performance is from the astoundingly gifted disciples of freedom, the Sierra Leone’s Refugee Allstars. Middle Tennessee State University played host to the culturally rich, economically friendly performance, so there was no surprise to see a great turn out of youthful, admirers of the world beat music.  The sound of well-balanced mixture of African tribal drumming, grooving reggae backbone and heartfelt lyrics were the main ingredient for moving the crowd all evening.  

Bandleader Reuben M. Koroma was nothing short of perfection.  He worked the crowd with energetic dance moves, emotion rendering stories and an adorable persona worthy of a granny squeeze of the cheek.  A presence you might not expect from the leader of a band filled with war refugees.  The members of the band met in the refugee camp, lived completely shattered lives, and yet still brought a message of love, redemption and joy to the crowd of fans.  Songs like “Living like a Refugee” spoke rather of appreciation of life and healing.  Though many of the lyrics may not have been understood, like those from “Akera Ka Abonshor” there was little doubt of the positive message and energy running rampant through the music and musicians.

Alongside Reuben was his wife and fellow vocalist for the band, Efuah Grace. The two are credited with providinge credited with providing a welcome distraction for their fellow refugees by singing for them.  After hearing the beauty of these musicians, and their unquenched desire for love and equality one could understand how their presence could be a strong ally in any situation. 

As the evening began to wind down, the band performed a number and Reuben, Grace and other members took turn dancing for the crowd.  As an offer of respect and love for the musicians the crowd erupted.  They were then joined on stage by one of the girls from the audience who too had some striking moves.  As the student, and in this case her worldbeat teachers danced away the night there was certainly an understanding that the Sierra Leone’s Refugee Allstars shared a special gift with those in attendance.  Not a bad experience that started off just being “free.”