Friday, April 16, 2010

My Friend Nikiibu

Just the other day I was contacted by the person who on the internet has been providing a meaningful and very wonderful analysis of the great Salia Koroma - who when I was in Kenema was a famous accordionist, singer, poet, and man. I had the privilege of meeting Salia on 2 or 3 occasions and talking with him. On one occasion he sang for those of us who were in his presence. Although I spoke some Mende my understanding of his songs was limited but I remember that being in his presence made me feel like I was in the presence of greatness. He was kind to me but somewhat standoffish - I think he was a bit puzzled by my interest in him. And his music and song was somehat harsh to my ear but yet I found it haunting and beautiful.
I have been derelict in my continuing this site - however Nikiibu plugs away at educating us about Salia Koroma - a great man. His site is http://nikiibu.wordpress.com/

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks Chad.We missed your updates and it's excellent you're back.
Thanks again for the photo. It's been used in the latest of my Salia montages. You've credited accordingly.

Anonymous said...

I meant to say: "you've been credited accordingly"