The family of Sierra Leonean music icon Lansana Sheriff, popularly known as Steady Bongo, has announced his passing in a heartfelt message shared on social media.
“Dear Sierra Leone,” the message began, “It is with profound sadness that we pen this letter. Yesterday, we lost Lansana Sheriff, fondly known as Steady Bongo, in a deeply tragic manner.”
The family highlighted his lifelong dedication to music and his unwavering commitment to serving the people of Sierra Leone through his craft. They appealed to the public to honor his memory by refraining from sharing distressing images of his final moments.
“If you truly loved Steady Bongo and respect his legacy and family, we implore you to remove such images from circulation,” the family pleaded. “Let us mourn him with dignity and without sharing those heart-wrenching photographs.”
Steady Bongo, who passed away at the age of 58, leaves behind an indelible legacy as one of Sierra Leone’s most celebrated folk singer-songwriters. His music, a rich blend of storytelling and cultural pride, became the soundtrack of the 1990s in Sierra Leone, touching hearts with powerful messages about life and society.
A Legacy of Music and Peace
Born in 1966 in Daru, Jawi Chiefdom, Kailahun District, Lansana Sheriff began his musical journey inspired by icons like Alpha Blondie and Big Fayia. His debut album, Ready Before You Married, released in 1991, marked the beginning of a remarkable career. Among his four albums, *Kormot Bien Me* became a national favorite.
Steady Bongo composed songs in English and Sierra Leone’s major languages, including Mende, Temne, and Krio, making his music accessible and relatable to a diverse audience. During Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war (1991–2002), he used his platform to promote peace and reconciliation, collaborating with NGOs and USAID to amplify critical social messages, including HIV/AIDS awareness.
His contributions extended beyond music. With his band, the Culture Heroes, Steady Bongo performed in Guinea, the UK, the US, and The Gambia. Notably, he led a nationwide peace tour in 2001, visiting ten towns in rebel-held areas to support disarmament and reconciliation efforts.
A National Treasure
Steady Bongo’s music and activism made him a household name in Sierra Leone and a symbol of hope during challenging times. His death marks the end of an era for Sierra Leonean folk music, leaving a void in the nation’s cultural landscape.
As Sierra Leone mourns, his family and fans alike call for his legacy to be celebrated with respect and dignity. “The nation has lost a legend,” the family concluded.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Rip 🙏 🪦 to you my legendary musician Steady Bongo
Till we meet again
We are so much sorry for our encourage papa who have death in sorryful way, we pray that God Almighty will blessed his soul rest in peace 😤😂😂🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 He love him but God love him most.