Fambul Tok launches ‘Wi na wan fambul’ album

By Bampia Bundu

Fambul Tok International Sierra Leone, on Saturday, May 4 officially launched the first ever “We na wan Fambul” album at the organization’s head office at Robert Street in Freetown.

In his address, the Executive Director of Fambul Tok International, Mr. John Caulker, noted that his organization is built upon the tradition of discussing and resolving issues within the security of a family circle. He observed that the strategy works at the village level to help communities organize truth telling bonfires and traditional cleansing ceremonies that many communities have not employed since before the war. He also stated that the launching of the album will help in the passing of the message of peace and reconciliation and also help the people to properly understand the concept of the programme.

Making his comments at the ceremony, the Chairman of National Unity Campaign, Reverend Rogers- Wright maintained that over a year ago they launched the national unity campaign across the country with the aim of working towards credible, free and fair and non-violent 2012.

He admitted that they decided to launch the campaign earlier because they have noticed that the November 17, 2012 elections are going to be a little hectic because they involve the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Councils.

He also stated that they are aware of some minor ugly incidents that took place in the 2002 and 2007 elections and that they are preparing ahead of the upcoming elections in order to prevent any election violence or fraud.

One of the artists who composed and sang the songs in the album, Miss Roselyn Strasser- King, commended Fambul Tok for what she described as their bold step in embarking on such a wide campaign, adding that she feels very happy as she has learnt a lot about reconciliation and forgiveness through their programmes.

Officially launching the album, the President of Catalyst for Peace, Mrs. Libby Hoffman, noted that her organization has been supporting Fambul Tok for a very long time, maintaining that they are committed to ensuring that they let the whole world know the story of Sierra Leone.

She also commended that work of national and international artists like Abjee (Iran/Sweden), Pupa Bajah and Dry Eye Crew (Sierra Leone), Bhi Bhiman (USA), Bombino (Niger), Dengue Fever (US/Cambodia), Refugee All Star (Sierra Leone), Roselyn Strasser King and other for their efforts to compile the album.