Sierra Leone is coming to Queens. This Friday, Dec.10, The Emmerson NYC-XPERIENCE Concert will be taking place at Amazura in Queens, New York. Emmerson NYC-XPERIENCE 2021 will mark the first Afrobeats concert headlined by one of Sierra Leone’s biggest artists, Emmerson.
“The goal of this concert is to showcase talent from my country in a proper way, at a proper venue, for a proper crowd,” multimedia journalist and publicist Fatima Sesay said. “I want to show the world Sierra Leone has talent, and our music is also capable of winning international accolades.” Sesay is well-known for her work in public relations for large scale events and concerts such as One Africa Music Fest, The Burna Boy Concert at the Apollo Theater, and Davido at PlayStation Theatre.
Emmerson NYC-XPERIENCE 2021 will be hosted by Laminatu Sankoh and the “African Prince of New York.” Along with Emmerson, other Sierra Leonean artists include Shady Baby, Ucle Papayzua, Supalaj, RJ, Black Gold AK and Bubery will be performing at the concert.
Additional performers from supporting countries are Nestreya from Nigeria, 6FO from Ghana, Hoox from Zambia, and the Zoo Boys from Guinea.
Often referred to as Afro-pop and Afro-fusion, Afrobeats is becoming one of the most known and diverse music genres. Afrobeats originated from West Africa in the 1960s.
Inside The Diaspora LLC is a multimedia entity focused on bridging the gap between Africa and the diaspora by changing the narrative, in collaboration with a group of young entrepreneurs, OTA (Only The Africans).
Asked what can people in the states do to help the people in war torn Sierra Leone? “Young Oprah,” as Sesay is known, said: “I believe the people in Sierra Leone have to help themselves first, and that starts with self-love, appreciation for our culture.
I’ve been blessed to be around different cultures here in the U.S, and I’ve seen the value that brings to not only the country, and the Africa continent as a whole.”
So the Amsterdam News followed up with a question about when did she come to the U.S., and what has her experience been like?
“I came to the U.S in March 2001,” Sesay replied. “Initially, I was excited to be here and connect with family members I’d never met before. However, when the 9/11 attack occurred, it brought back memories of the trauma experience I endured during the war in Sierra Leone. Sadly, it made me want to return home.”
Yet here Sesay is now hosting her own concert showcasing singing creatives from her own home.
“This event is a huge milestone for not only the artists who will be performing, but the entire Sierra Leone music industry,” said artist Shady Baby. “It’s time the world experiences real Salone talent.”
For more information contact Business.InsideTheDiaspora@gmail.com