The Daily IIJ

The talents of artists united for children and youth development (AUCAYD) will soon be exposed to the outside world, revealed war child Canada (WCC) chief executive officer Lisa Zbitnew on Thursday.

“Having worked with talents around the world, I am thoroughly impressed by the caliber of talent in Freetown. We are excited to release this internationally,” she said.

World best video and documentary makers has been hired for the project.

She said they will partner with AUCAYD to create an arts center that will house recording studio and a computer training facility.

National coordinator AUCAYD, Mohamed Samba Kamara aka Luxsonjay said the group is a local organization of young adults working towards sensitizing communities about the rights of children through music, dance, and drama and radio sensitization. He said they have been active in the communities for over 2 years working with some highly innovative local programming.

“We want to use the power of arts to transform, change and restore back the history of Sierra Leone,” he said.

Duncan MacRae from Street Quality Records said AUCAYD has made significant impact on youth in the communities with minimal support.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide the resources to ensure the program can provide greater outreach and build technical skills for young people to be able to pursue sustainable careers,” he said.

Among street quality recording entourage, is recording artist Abdul Yilla aka Sy’rai, a Sierra Leonean returning home for the first time in 9 years.

He endorsed the program and pledged to record a song and video with the local AUCAYD talents that will be released internationally.

“The song entitled “Let it Rain”, is a positive affirmation of young Sierra Leoneans’ ability to create positive change,” said Sy’rai.

He said it was an incredible experience to be back home and work with such a talented, committed and passionate group of young artists.

The consortium is currently shooting a documentary of both the AUCAYD program and Sy’rai’s experience as he reconnects with friends and community. They will also be hosting an artist showcase featuring local talents this Friday at the British Council at 2pm. Admission is free.