AYV News, December 13, 2024
President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio has in a recent social media post, mourned the death of the late music ledgend, Lansana Sheriff (Steady Bongo), describing the legend’s death as a significant loss for Sierra Leone.
On his X post, President Bio said: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Lansana Sheriff, who was fondly known as Steady Bongo. This is a significant loss for Sierra Leone. Steady touched many lives through his music, and he will be remembered for his educational and thought-provoking songs. May we always honor the impact he had on our country’s music and culture. Rest in peace Steady Bongo”.
The late Steady Bongo on Saturday 7 December, 2024 lost his life to the cold hands of death at the Bo Government Hospital following a tragic road accident along Porturu – Liberia highway, whiles on his way back from visiting a sick brother in Portoru.
He was born on August 28, 1966, in Daru, Kailahun district and has gained international recognition for his contributions to the music scene.
His death leaves a significant void in the hearts of Sierra Leone’s music fans and community.
Biography of Steady Bongo
Lansana Sheriff (born on August 28, 1966, in Daru, Kailahun district, in the East of Sierra Leone) popularly known by his stage name Steady Bongo, is an internationally recognized Sierra Leonean musician and record producer. He is one of the most famous musicians from Sierra Leone.
Lansana Sheriff better known as Steady Bongo was born in Daru, a rural town in Kailahun District in Eastern Sierra Leone to an ethnic Mandingo father and a Mende mother. Steady Bongo grew up in a largely Mende speaking household in Daru.
From an early age, he performed on stage, imitating musicians such as the legendary Big Fayia, Samile, Eric Donaldson, and Prince Nico. He hosted a programme called “Variety Time” at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS). His first album, ‘Ready Before You Married’, was released in 1990 and became an instant success not only in Sierra Leone, but in neighbouring countries as well.
His second album ‘Kormot Bi En Me’, released in 1996, received the Best Album Award and had record-breaking sales. The album was the first of Steady Bongo’s records to be released on CD in the United States. In 1998, he released Welcome to ‘Democracy Na Salone’ and ‘Born For Suffer’ in 1999. He’s one of the first musicians that popularised Sierra Leone music to the outside world.
