By alusinerehme.wilson@awokonewspaper.sl
Makeni, SIERRA LEONE – Famed musician and activist Mabinty Turay, popularly known as “M2,” the Golden Queen of Sierra Leone Music, is set to make a resounding return to the stage as the special guest performer for the highly anticipated Makeni Homecoming Live Musical Concert by versatile Afro-R&B soloist Alieu Melody. The event, hosted by Buya’s Records, will take place tonight at the Makeni City Plaza.
M2, a decorated and influential figure in Sierra Leone’s music history, has been chosen to break her performance silence in the provinces, marking her return since her last captivating show at the Wusum Stadium alongside Rap Gee, Alieu Melody, Moi, and other musicians in April during President Bio’s visit to Makeni.
The musical journey of M2 began with the group JLC2 (Justice, Leo, Chapter, and M2), followed by collaborations with LMS (Lady F, M2, and Star Zee) before embarking on a successful solo career. Her repertoire includes chart-toppers like “Sweet Africa,” “Yagba Dem,” “Prove Am,” “Me Life,” “Po nor Good,” and “Why Mi Yone Different,” among others.
As a soloist, M2 achieved her first award in 2007 in Banjul for the Best Music Video with her song “Sweet Africa” and has since garnered several prestigious awards, including Best Female Artist and Vocalist from AWOL, Sierra Leone DJs Award (SLeDU), Cassette Sellers Association (C.S.A), People’s Choice Awards, and the Sierra Leone Music Television (SLMTV) Awards.
Beyond her musical contributions, M2 has been an advocate for underprivileged women and children, channeling profits from her music into charity projects aimed at contributing to Sierra Leone’s national development. Her inclusion as the special performer for Alieu Melody’s Makeni Homecoming Concert is seen as a valuable addition, adding momentum to the event and elevating its significance. ARW/2/3/2024