and Operations Manager, Storm Koroma.
The Lake Production Entertainment show slated for 24 December 2017 has been cancelled by the Stadium management over alleged participation of Sierra Leone’s top musical maestros and social commentator, Emerson Bockarie.
Alhaji K. Tarawally, the Chief Executive Officer of Lake Productions expressed sadness and disgust over the cancellation of the event after finalizing arrangements for the show.
He said they had a contractual agreement with three artists to perform at the show; Emerson Bockarie, Ark Man of vanity fame and Morris.
He said, “Initially, we partnered with the Tangaise festival who will be hosting an event at the stadium for a period of one month.”
According to an official of the Ministry of Sports, on condition of anonymity, said, “We received ‘orders from above’ not to allow the show at the National Stadium.”
A Stadium management representative, Musa Sesay, said the promotional company, Lake Production, never had permission to host the show. According to Stadium personnel, the Stadium is already booked on the 24 and 25 of December for other activities. The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs declined to comment on the issue.
Alhaji K. Tarawally said they have already spent Le150 million to organize the event. It was agreed that Lake Production will get 70% whilst Tangaise and the stadium management will get 30% after the show.
He claimed that because of the planned Emerson performance the show was cancelled and dispelled rumors that the cancellation has nothing to do with his registration to National Grand Coalition Party.
He said the objective of the show was to promote local talents and also stimulate consciousness of the youths on non-violence.
Samuel Wise Bangura, a producer and presenter at AYV Network and also Communications Officer of the Lake Productions, said the show was cancelled because of the presence of Emerson whom they claim will perform songs against the Government, so that people will vote against the All People’s Congress party.
Storm Koroma, the Operations Manager of the Lake Production Entrainment called on the stadium management to reinstate the date for the show within one week or else they will be left with no alternative but to demand compensation.
“We are not organizing a political show but bringing talented youths in Sierra Leone to display their talents to the public,” Koroma said. He also expressed grave concern over the political interference in the entertainment industry.
SB/20/11/17
By Saidu Bah
Tuesday November 21, 2017.