New Interview: Reuben Koroma, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

by Erin Rice

Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars have come a long way in promoting their message of peace through music. Reuben Koroma, along with Francis Lamgba and his wife Grace, began playing in a refugee camp in Guinea after they were forced to flee Sierra Leone at the height of civil war. Catching the eyes and support of American and Canadian filmmakers, the group grew in number and began touring through other refugee camps in the region. Film festival awards and a debut album later, the group has spread their positive message on stages all over the world and have been featured guests on Oprah Winfrey, CBS’ Sunday Morning, CNN, the National Geographic Channel, and NPR.

In advance of their February 2nd show at the Granada Theater, we caught up with Reuben from his tour stop in New Orleans. The video includes audio* from the interview in addition to a gallery of photos from the band's MySpace.

Standout quotes from the interview:

Reactions from the other refugees to the All Stars' early performances: "They liked the performances and it was like they relaxed their minds when listening... People enjoyed it, you know, because everybody was having mind problems and when we started to play, they would find pleasure in listening to our music... music could be a therapy for people with psychological problems."

Sierra Leone today compared to before/during the civil war: "100% better, because there is a quiet place, there is calm, there is family. I think there is no cause to fear, because people are running their businesses. The election has just been conducted recently and we have a new president and the new president is really trying for the people..."

More music on the way: "As I’m talking to you we have some music and we have plans to go into the studio right after this tour, to produce more music for the people. That’s our job… we always consider to produce music, songs that will make a positive impact."

Why he's excited to come to Dallas: "I have been dreaming to come there. We have some people who have been staying together from the refugee camps... most of them have [moved] to Dallas and I have been longing to see them once again. I’m very excited to see them."

Wisdom I wish certain world leaders would adopt: "Peace is the road to development."

*Please excuse the sound quality. A wind storm knocked out power to the PegNews offices forcing this interview to be recorded via cell phone and iMovie.