AYV News, December 19, 2024
Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has paid tribute to the late music legend, Mr. Lansana Sheriff (Steady Bongo), saying: “With love and respect you will live forever in our hearts”.
Recounting his last days encounter with Steady Bongo, the Chief Minister said: “Two days before the tragic death of Steady Bongo, he sent me a video message. In it, he and his team spoke about the love, respect and care we had for each other”.
He said while Steady was happy to list some of the goodness they had exchanged to his close family and friends, he knew the Chief Minister wanted to keep most of his supports quiet. “Our relationship was not transactional. It was short, but it changed both of our lives forever”.
In a tribute to Steady Bongo during the Chief Minister’s visit to his family home, he told them about how Steady made him super proud in his own home. He said Steady joined him for Thanksgiving lunch for his dad’s recovery from surgery and that everyone was starstruck with his presence.
The Chief Minister further recounted saying; “he did not stop there, he performed a song for my dad that we will never forget. Steady brought grace and love to my home and family”.
He said in Steady’s video last video message to him few days before his death, he was hesitant to post it on social media because he did not want it to lead to hate for him. He used the video to thank and appreciate the Chief Minister for kind financial gesture he gave to him and his band, thereby reviving their career.
In a similar development, the Entertainment Ambassador of Sierra Leone, Amara Denis Turay, popularly known as Kao Denero, has called on all entertainers, fans and sympathisers to come together and honor the memory of the legendary musician.
In a public announcement, Kao Denero urged industry stakeholders and supporters to converge at 8pm today night at the Gigibonta Car Park.
The gathering will serve as a moment of homage and tribute to the late Steady Bongo, whom Kao described as a “fallen hero and comrade” of Sierra Leone’s music industry.
Steady Bongo, renowned for his timeless hits and significant contribution to the growth of Sierra Leonean music, remains an icon in the country’s entertainment landscape.
The tribute event is expected to bring together fellow artists, fans and well-wishers to celebrate his legacy.
Kao Denero expressed gratitude in advance for the anticipated support and attendance, emphasising the importance of unity and respect in paying respects to one of Sierra Leone’s greatest musical pioneers.
