Oh, Sierra Leone, Your Children Cry Tonight
Oh, Sierra Leone, your children cry tonight, Through the echoes of war, we’ve lost our guiding light. Trafficking and drugs, tearing us apart, Where's the hope we had once, strong in every heart? They promised us a future, of peace and prosperity, But instead, they brought us chaos and misery. The streets once full of laughter, now shadowed with despair, Little ones are falling, does anybody care?
Oh Salone | Franklyn Bonnie Johnson-Williams
Oh, Sierra Leone, your children cry tonight, Through the echoes of war, we’ve lost our guiding light. Trafficking and drugs, tearing us apart, Where's the hope we had once, strong in every heart? They promised us a future, of peace and prosperity, But instead, they brought us chaos and misery. The streets once full of laughter, now shadowed with despair, Little ones are falling, does anybody care?
Oh Salone | Franklyn Bonnie Johnson-Williams[Verse]
In the heart of West Africa, where the lion once roared, Eleven years of battle, left our spirits so sore. Now the wounds are open wide, facing new plight, With a reckless government's heedless flight.
[Chorus]
Oh, Sierra Leone, your children cry tonight, Through the echoes of war, we’ve lost our guiding light. Trafficking and drugs, tearing us apart, Where's the hope we had once, strong in every heart?
[Verse]
They promised us a future, of peace and prosperity, But instead, they brought us chaos and misery. The streets once full of laughter, now shadowed with despair, Little ones are falling, does anybody care?
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[Chorus]
Oh, Sierra Leone, your children cry tonight, Through the echoes of war, we’ve lost our guiding light. Trafficking and drugs, tearing us apart, Where's the hope we had once, strong in every heart?
[Verse]
Mothers grieve in silence, and fathers lose their will, For every son and daughter, there's a battle uphill. We fight a different war now, against the darkness spread, As the soul of a nation battles for its bread.
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[Chorus]
Oh, Sierra Leone, your children cry tonight, Through the echoes of war, we’ve lost our guiding light. Trafficking and drugs, tearing us apart, Where's the hope we had once, strong in every heart?
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“Sierra Leone: Toxic components of the ‘KUSH’ drug identified.”
Transnational crime investigators have identified China, the Netherlands, and the UK as likely sources of the substances used to produce Kush, a highly addictive synthetic drug. This drug has claimed the lives of thousands in West Africa in an alarmingly short time. Kush first appeared in Sierra Leone in 2022, and recent testing has finally revealed the dangerous chemicals that make it so lethal.
Caitlin Kelly has more from Freetown.
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Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince Dies Aged 29
A war orphan from Sierra Leone, Michaela Mabinty DePrince dies aged 29. DePrince moved to the US and ended up performing with Beyonce`. Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us. She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty, and greatness can rise from the darkest of places. DePrince started her life at an orphanage in Sierra Leone. After being adopted by a New Jersey family, she began to take dance classes and went on to the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School.
Rest in PowerTheo Edwards for YAMEA war orphan from Sierra Leone, Michaela Mabinty DePrince dies aged 29. DePrince moved to the US and ended up performing with Beyonce`. Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us. She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty, and greatness can rise from the darkest of places. DePrince started her life at an orphanage in Sierra Leone. After being adopted by a New Jersey family, she began to take dance classes and went on to the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School.
DePrince started her life at an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone. After being adopted by a New Jersey family, she began to take dance classes and went on to the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who has performed with Beyoncé and was seen by many as a trailblazer, has passed away at the age of 29. A spokesperson announced her death on her personal Instagram page, and in a statement, her family said she was an "unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story." The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
DePrince captivated audiences in "First Position," a compelling 2011 documentary that chronicles the journeys of six young dancers. She also released two inspiring books about her life: "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" and "Ballerina Dreams."
Michaela DePrince performing 'Giselle' with the English National Ballet in 2017
Despite being told that "the world wasn't ready for black ballerinas" or that "black ballerinas weren't worth investing in," she persevered with determination and focus, achieving remarkable success in her career.
Michaela DePrince as Kitri in a South African Mzansi Ballet production of Don Quixote, 2013
Recipient of numerous accolades in the world of international dance, Michaela DePrince also appeared in Beyoncé's "Freedom" music video.
Beyoncé's "Freedom" is currently being used as a campaign anthem by Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the presidency.
Her spokesperson wrote that her artistry "touched countless hearts" and her spirit had "inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond".
Click Here to Read More on Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince on her Instagram page.
Wikipedia — Michaela DePrince Bio
Rest in Power, Michaela Mabinty DePrince
Theo Edwards for YAME