Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars

Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars

Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars is a group from Freetown, Sierra Leone, active since 2004. The band begins playing together in West African refugee camps during the civil war in Sierra Leone, and its music grows out of that experience of displacement, survival and return.

Style and development

The group’s sound combines traditional West African music with roots reggae, and later recordings also draw on New Orleans influences. Their work develops from an early focus on the circumstances of refugees into a more established band identity based on musicianship, arrangement and performance. The ensemble also records with a sense of optimism and communal celebration.

Albums and recording

The band’s debut album, Living Like A Refugee, brings them international attention and attracts prominent admirers including Keith Richards, Sir Paul McCartney, Aerosmith, Angelina Jolie and Ice Cube. A documentary about the group, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, by Zach Niles and Banker White, documents their journey and wins multiple awards.

The follow-up album, Rise & Shine, is recorded partly in Freetown and partly in New Orleans at Piety Street Recording with producer Steve Berlin. The record includes contributions from local musicians such as Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Bonerama and Washboard Chaz, and its 13 tracks reflect the band’s wide range of influences. Berlin is noted for his work with Los Lobos, Angélique Kidjo, Rickie Lee Jones, Michelle Shocked, Alec Ounsworth and Jackie Greene.

Members and formation

The current lineup is formed around Reuben M. Koroma, described as a songwriter and guiding figure in the group, alongside Black Nature, Mohammed Bangura, Francis John Langba, Ashade Pearce, Jah Son Bull and Makengo Kamara. The verified membership also includes Mohammed “Makengo” Kamara and Augustine Kobina Valcarcel. The band’s story is rooted in reunion after conflict, when members return from refugee camps and reconnect with family, friends and former bandmates.

Live performance and recognition

Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars tours internationally and appears at festivals including Bonnaroo, Montreal Jazz Festival, Fuji Rock in Japan, Central Park SummerStage and Celebrate Brooklyn. Their performances are described as lively and uplifting, and their recording history includes work with Aerosmith and Mavis Staples.