By Mabinty M. Kamara
Famous music superstar Jimmy Bangura has expressed optimism about the future of the local entertainment industry.
Bangura, better known by his stage name - Jimmy B, was speaking at a meeting of representatives of the industry and President Julius Maada Bio. He said they are hopeful that the entertainment industry would not only help in job creation and alleviating poverty, but that it will also help to bring stability in the country.
“I believe the entertainment industry is in a better position to grow, create jobs, promote cultural and heritage awareness and expand the creative industries,” he said.
“Today, I feel very optimistic about the future of our industry,” he added.
The meeting was the first between the president and stakeholders of entertainment industry. It is part of efforts by the new administration to rejuvenate the sector which is largely believed to have been neglected in the last decade.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr Memunatu Pratt, is spearheading this effort. She said at the State House meeting that the neglect of the entertainment sector in Sierra Leone had been tied to the neglect of the ministry itself, under which the entertainment industry fall.
“During this administration, the Ministry’s resource allocation to do programmes has increased and we have had quite a number of goodwill from partners because the sector is now seen as a flagship programme,” she said.
The Sierra Leone entertainment sector is dominated by musicians, but there is also the struggling film industry.
Among other things, the stakeholders want the institution of government policies serving as guidance to their activities, in addition to much needed funding towards provision of relevant infrastructures.
President Bio said he was happy to meet with members of the entertainment industry to start off discussions on the way forward. He also said that his government was aware of the need to support the industry and that he was committed to doing that.
Bio stressed that for the sector to fully play its role in national development, it stakeholder will have to unite.
“There is so much in this country. We have the sites, culture and things to show and if we are to succeed as a destination from tourism, we should also combine that with entertainment. People will want to come here to be joyful and be entertained, which is the memory they will take back and that is how we will get the industry going,” he said.
“There should be unity among the entertainers and we will continue to create the environment for everyone to succeed,” he added.
© 2019 Politico Online
