By Lans Omar, Winnipeg.
Sierra Leone’s blind music wonder, M.B. Attilla, is performing in
Winnipeg August 25, 2007. This is part of his all Canadian tour which kicks off
in Toronto, a week before coming to PegCity. The "Lone Ranger" from the Blind
Musical Flames will be storming Winnipeg with a three man team and performing
live.
I remember the first time I interviewed Attilla thirteen years ago
in Freetown. The headline on Concord Times newspaper was stunning.
Attilla had just released his debut album, Native Land. He was on
top of the world with songs like the album title song "Native Land" and "Attilla
Man Dangerous"
Emerging from the Milton Margai School for the Blind in Freetown,
Sierra Leone, to a nationally acclaimed status with the Blind Musical Flames,
Attilla is now poised for super stardom.
In 1993 the blind musical star took off with a solo career from
the Blind Musical Flames. From that point onwards, the legend called Attilla was
unstoppable. His solo career debutted with "Native Land." The album reeled off a
string of hits that are still memorable.
After returning from attending the Kora Awards 1995, (Africa’s
most prestigeous musical awards) renowned African music analyst and Concord
Times’ editor, Tony Hesmart, had openly said that the blind musical wonder is
the only hope left to bring the Kora to Sierra Leone.
Last night, I was privileged once again to interview the music
legend who took Sierra Leone by storm with beats & lyrics like "Nor Butu
Waise Nar Bad Character," etc.
The blind musical genius now lives in Alexandria, Virginia, U. S.
A. Over the phone he talked to me about his forth coming Canadian concert dates
especially his August 25 Winnipeg concert.
"It’s my first Canadian tour and I’m looking forward to giving you
a blast," the singer said.
He continued, "I’ll be performing most of my old songs which you
are quite familiar with, and a couple of new songs from my latest album."
His latest album is titled "Salone Gbarko Patriot". Gbarko is a
must listen 12-song CD, it delves a lot into corruption in Sierra Leone. The
song itself is melodious, articulate and easy to dance to.
Attilla will be performing at the West End Cultural Centre, 586
Ellice Avenue at Sherbrook, Winnipeg, Canada.
Tickets go on sale at all Winnipeg tickets master locations on
July 25th, 2007.