Unu mek wi shek smɔl. Di poda poda de fɔs i tayt.

1787 was the year emancipated slaves arrived in the Province of Freedom, later named Freetown. They came to a land that promised to bring their dreams of freedom and ownership to fruition. A century later, Africans from all over the continent came to fulfill their dreams by pursuing an education at Freetown’s Fourah Bay College, nicknamed the Athens of West Africa; Merchants also arrived at Freetown’s shores with dreams of becoming wealthier. Years later, the city has evolved into a smorgasbord of cultures, and is still home to dream chasers.

Legendary Sierra Leonean Musician and political commentator, Daddy Saj, circa 2006 declared his dream on the song ‘Sorriest Part’. Saj envisioned a Sierra Leone where the basic amenities are available to every citizen; a country that caters for its citizens; a state that upholds the rule of law. But almost two decades after releasing ‘Sorriest Part’, this vision remains a figment of a creative mind. Walking through the streets of Freetown, one realizes that Saj may never see his dream come true, but his vision is reimagined and pursued by young Sierra Leonean creators.

Aprɛntis a beg tɛl yu drayva se if i nɔ ple Salon myuzik, wi nɔ de go.

In his debut offering, Game Time, Prodigy Sim uses his exceptional storytelling to share his version of events on ‘The City’ while airing the life and perils of many creators in Freetown. The toils of getting an education (or a backup plan) while pursuing your passion or ideas

"So ar begin write

A few lines down every night

Even though exams was in sight"

And the possibility of making it big weighing against the loneliness experienced by the dream chasers

"In the city where anything can happen

Where you're left alone like a bachelor"

Prodigy Sim, via the same song, shares his dream of being self-employed, an entrepreneur. Honestly, it is a dream many creators share but only few attain for a plethora of reasons, and fear of failure tops this list; the irony right?

"Scared to fail now my biggest - FEAR

Scared to chase my dreams cause I - FEAR"

Freetown remains a symbol of hope. However, its streets are littered with dreams shackled by fear. It may be the fear of failure, inconvenience etc. In his project, Land of Magic, Kadrick dedicates a track to exploring fear. He illuminates his doubts, angst and the uneasiness that comes with being a Sierra Leonean creator.

“I swear sometimes I wonder if

A world where dreams come true can really exist

I can't even ponder it”

Being a creator in an underdeveloped country means lack of tools, limited access to mediums or platforms to share your ideas, limited opportunities for remuneration and other hurdles that come with underdevelopment. These realities have hindered some, but they have also inspired others to create phenomenal art.

“This is for the dreamers with insomnia”

The paradox of pursuing dreams is sleepless nights. In his debut project, If I'm Allowed to Dream, Jjoe Saymah raps of the allure of being a rapper while illustrating the castigation that many young creators in Freetown have to live with. Saymah knows these hurdles too well; from his parents’ desire of him getting a white-collar job, to the depression that often comes with creating.

“Imma put in the work

Dey hustle lek two four seven

Get too much potential for lef untapped"

Freetown is filled with potential; potential hit makers, potential legends, and potential entrepreneurs. But, in a system that does not cater for creators, the lagoon of potential is where most creators languish. Jjoe recognizes this and declares his intention of not remaining untapped; he also challenges other creators to “put in the work”.

Centuries after the first emancipated slaves arrived, the dream may have evolved, but it is still driven by the desire for ownership and to live a better life. To achieve this dream the onus rests upon creators to remain consistent in excellence and build structures that foster ingenuity and longevity.

Long Live the Dream Chasers.

Drayva as yu tek di kɔv, lɛf mi na da jɔnkshɔn.

Marco Koroma is a freelance writer and content creator based in Freetown. He blogs regularly at afrikandude.wordpress.com . He is also the Co-Creator and Curator of Tok U Tok , an open mic and live music event in Freetown.