The use of pop songs by Sierra Leonean youths in enjoying the space created for freedom of expression after the civil war

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Periodical article

Title:	The use of pop songs by Sierra Leonean youths in enjoying the space created for freedom of expression after the civil war
Author:	Spencer, Sylvanus N.
Year:	2012
Periodical:	Africa Today (ISSN 1527-1978)
Volume:	59
Issue:	1
Pages:	71-86
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Sierra Leone
Subjects:	popular music political songs urban youth freedom of speech
External link:	http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/africa_today/v059/59.1.spencer.pdf
Abstract:	Postwar governance reform in Sierra Leone is gradually creating a public space conducive to free expression. Youths, who for a long time did not have much say in governance, consider this an opportunity to make known their views and influence political decisions. This is evident in the singing of pop songs by urban youths, which cry down ethnicity, corruption, injustice, and bad governance in general. Enjoying the space created for free expression is, however, not without challenges, many of which spring from the irresponsible abuse of this right without taking into consideration the rights of others or the stability of the State. There is also an apparent lack of political will to keep this space open and free of manipulation. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]