By Amin Kef Sesay
Youth Activist, Entrepreneur and Entertainment Executive, Amb Alhaji K. Tarawally, aka Laj-K, has lamented that the restriction placed on organizing entertainment shows is seriously affecting them as entertainers.
According to him, they have seen their counterparts in Guinea, Gambia, Tanzania, Burundi, Gambia and other African countries organizing major local and international shows under some guiding principles to help sustain and keep their creative and entertainment industry and their economies alive.
“But Sierra Leone keeps moving on the contrary and it seems to be okay after the untold sufferings of a countless number of entertainers, and their businesses continue to perish in the name of COVID-19 response, which appears to be a stunt,” he bemoaned.
Laj-K said it is unwise to allow other major events to hold across the country, including political events, religious events, school concerts, public campaigns, rallies, Government functions going on as planned, and yet no Entertainment events.
He furthered that it is ridiculous and a complete wickedness to the creative industry maintaining that it is their livelihood and they can’t be stopped since they are not receiving any form of compensation.
“You continue cancelling our shows and events with no remorse,” he said calling on the Government to listen to them now before it’s too late.
He disclosed that he is hurt and venting his feelings because their businesses are dying and Entertainers/Celebrities are now turning into politicians or domestic beggars.
Laj-K underscored that it must be known that the entertainment industry has played a crucial role in the fight against COVID-19, raising awareness and adhering to the precautionary measures.
He stated that with all of those contributions, it appears that they are the biggest victims of the crisis while other sectors are partying.
The Entertainment Executive continued to appeal to the Government to lift the ban on the entertainment industry and follow the steps taken by other African countries that guide the conduct of entertainment events.
He said for the past one year, their investments have dwindled and their cries have been falling on deaf ears and no one cares.
“This is not only affecting us, but several others who directly or indirectly rely on entertainment events for their livelihoods,” he pointed out.
He disclosed that this is a wake-up call for all entertainers, entertainment stakeholders and the Government to map out possible ways of ensuring that entertainment events go on, as it is the case for our African counterparts.
Laj-K said the current economic outcry, sufferings and brouhaha in the Creative Industry in Sierra Leone seem to be getting worse day by day for entertainers and the emerging businesses.
He stated that such has left him with no choice but to add his voice and passionately appeal and crave the indulgence of Government to allow them organize their shows or in the interim use or utilize some funds of the EU, IMF, WHO and other international supports as relief or recovery funding to affected businesses in the entertainment industry.
