Maambena Fest was first launched seven years ago in the Sella Limba town of Kamakwie. The festival concept was created by founder and chairman of the Aruna Jalloh Foundation, Usifu Jalloh. The foundation is a non-discriminatory charity that works together with the Sella people in Sierra Leone to champion respect and equality. They strive to empower Sierra Leoneans by improving access to education, facilitating economic independence and reviving cultural pride.     

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The next Maambena Fest will be celebrated in April 2020 under the theme My Environment and Me. Named ‘Maambena Fest 100’, the festival invites musicians, drummers, singers, storytellers and environmentalists from around the world to take part in a unique traditional drumming, cultural and musical festival of events.

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A green agenda

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Performances and activities will be taking place in four locations across Sierra Leone as part of the festival, in Freetown, Bo, Makeni and Kamakwie.

 

Our aim is to use the arts to deliver workshops that educate, inspire and create positive powerful impacts on community behaviour towards the environment in Sierra Leone. Partnering countries will also carry out workshops and activities within their respective communities that support environmentally friendly living.

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A global event

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Digital hook-ups will allow organisations in countries including New Zealand, Australia and Colombia to partner with us in real time, linking their Maambena 100 workshops and performances directly to Sierra Leone during the festival, creating a truly global collaboration. 

 

The Foundation invites you to register to take part in this ground-breaking event as a special guest member of the festival.

 

The guest member package gives participants:

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• A place in the performance team

• An exclusively carved Maambena Fest 100 drum

• Maambena Fest 100 limited edition t-shirt

• Drumming lessons and sessions from the renowned Cowfoot Prince

• Coach transport with the Maambena team to all participating cities: Freetown, Bo, Makeni and Kamakwie

• The experience of performing to thousands of people in beautiful Sierra Leone.

• The opportunity to sponsor one of 400 trees being planted to combat deforestation*

• Beach party feasts during the festival

   

You can become a participant for a minimum donation to the Foundation of £450 (to cover costs), or more if you are able. Donations over the basic fee for costs will go directly towards the Foundation’s environmental fundraising, including the perma-culture pre-school project.

 

​Maambena Fest stands unique in its capacity to educate, inspire and entertain you by immersion in grass roots Sierra Leonean cultural arts. The event offers the experience of a lifetime and you may never be the same again! 

 

Join us on this adventure and while helping raise environmental awareness, make a difference to your own world.

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I look forward to welcoming you on the white sandy beaches of Sierra Leone.

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Usifu Jalloh

​Chairman

 

Small print:

Flights and accommodation costs are not included, but the festival team are happy to provide information and options for accommodation. We can make arrangements for you through specific partner travel and tour agencies. Indicate on the registration form if you would like us to arrange this.

​There will be opportunities for tourist attraction visits between workshops at a small extra cost. You can decide the length of your stay and level of participation in the performances for the festival. 

​* To sponsor a Maambena 100 tree, add £30 to your minimum donation.

Fees can be paid in USD, NZD or other currencies

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If you have any questions about the festival, email us: maambena@yahoo.co.uk