Eight Contestants Shortlisted for the Finals of the EU-funded Singing Competition to Raise Awareness on Gender-Based Violence in Sierra Leone

The competition aims at raising public awareness and promote action against gender-based violence (GBV) through the power of music. The competition seeks to amplify youth voices in advocating for gender equality and the elimination of GBV, and to use music as a platform to inspire social change and encourage dialogue around human rights and women’s empowerment among young Sierra Leoneans.

The 8 finalists were selected from 107 video clips submitted from all over the country and carefully reviewed by an expert panel of five judges. They include: Mohamed Alhaji Lenox Kamara, David Kallon, ‘Lyrical Three’ musical group , Abraham E.S Pratt, Othman Tao, Alie Baminhoma, ‘The Shout Music Ministry’ musical group and Daniel Sesay.

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EU in Sierra Leone

The competition was open to participants aged 18 – 35 years, and is taking place in the run-up to the annual global campaign: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December 2025. 

“I congratulate the eight finalists who will be competing for the top prize in this meaningful competition,” said EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski. This is more than a celebration of music, it is a call to action to protect the rights, dignity, and  the safety of our women and girls.” 

The European Union has been actively involved in efforts to combat GBV in Sierra Leone and has partnered with various organizations to support actions to combat all forms of violence against women and girls in the country. 

“This shortlisting  takes us to the next phase of the competition, which is vocal coaching and training of the eight finalists at the Ballanta Academy’s studios before the actual finals, which will be held on 12 December 2025,” explained Dr. Julius Spencer, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academy. 

Out of the eight finalists, the top three will receive cash prizes of NLE 30,000, NLE 20,000, and NLE 10,000 respectively, along with full scholarship awards for certificate courses in Music Education.

The presentation of prizes and official unveiling of the winners will take place on Friday, 12th December 2025, at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, starting at 4:00 p.m.

Admission is free, and all music lovers and members of the public are warmly invited to attend.

For more details on the competition, follow our social media platforms (Facebook: @EUinSierraLeone, WhatsApp channel: EUnaSalone and on X: @EUinSierraLeone) and the Ballanta Academy’s social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram and on X.

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