Eight contestants have been recently shortlisted to participate in the finals of the national singing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) competition, which was launched by the European Union (EU) Delegation in collaboration with the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts on 3 October 2025.
The competition aims at raising public awareness and promoting action against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through the power of music. The initiative seeks to amplify youth voices in advocating for gender equality and the elimination of GBV, while positioning music as a powerful platform to inspire social change and encourage dialogue around human rights and women’s empowerment among young Sierra Leoneans.
According to the organizers, the eight finalists were selected from 107 video clips submitted from across the country. These entries were thoroughly reviewed by an expert panel of five judges with extensive backgrounds in music, performance and social impact work. The shortlisted finalists include Mohamed Alhaji Lenox Kamara, David Kallon, the ‘Lyrical Three’ musical group, Abraham E.S. Pratt, Othman Tao, Alie Baminhoma, the ‘The Shout Music Ministry’ musical group and Daniel Sesay.
The competition was open to Sierra Leoneans aged 18 to 35 years and forms part of the activities leading up to the annual global campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December 2025. The campaign is recognized globally as a period dedicated to intensifying advocacy, awareness and action against violence targeting women and girls.
EU Ambassador, Jacek Jankowski, commended the selected contestants and highlighted the deeper significance of the initiative. “I congratulate the eight finalists who will be competing for the top prize in this meaningful competition,” he said. “This is more than a celebration of music; it is a call to action to protect the rights, dignity and the safety of our women and girls.”
The European Union continues to be an active partner in the fight against GBV in Sierra Leone, supporting Government agencies, Civil Society Organizations and community-based groups to prevent violence and empower survivors. This singing competition is one of several youth-centered initiatives aimed at using creative expression to support advocacy efforts.
Dr. Julius Spencer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ballanta Academy, explained the next stage of the process. “This shortlisting takes us to the next phase of the competition, which is vocal coaching and training of the eight finalists at the Ballanta Academy’s studios before the actual finals, which will be held on 12 December 2025,” he stated. The coaching phase is designed to enhance participants’ musical skills and stage presence, ensuring a strong and meaningful performance on the final day.
At the grand finale, the top three contestants will receive cash prizes of NLE 30,000, NLE 20,000, and NLE 10,000, respectively. In addition to the cash awards, they will also receive full scholarship packages for certificate courses in Music Education at the Ballanta Academy, offering them long-term opportunities to develop their musical careers.
The presentation of prizes and the official announcement of the winners will take place on Friday, 12 December 2025, at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, starting at 4:00 p.m.
Admission to the event is free and all music lovers, advocates and members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend and support the youth-led campaign against gender-based violence.
The Calabash Newspaper is Sierra Leone’s leading English‑language news platform—established in 2017 to deliver trusted coverage of politics, culture, health, and more to audiences both at home and abroad.
