Bajah

Bajah is a prominent pop star from Sierra Leone, celebrated as “the voice of the voiceless.” His music, a blend of rap and singing, focuses on themes of peace and reconciliation, addressing the needs of the people impacted by the devastating civil war that lasted 11 years in Sierra Leone. A few years ago, he took a break from recording and returned to his hometown of Freetown, where an astonishing 30,000 fans welcomed him at the airport with a grand parade. Every Christmas Eve, Bajah performs at the National Soccer Stadium in Freetown, captivating an audience of 50,000.

In New York City, Bajah and his band have made a significant impact, headlining events such as Lincoln Center Out Of Doors and Okayplayer’s CMJ showcase. The Village Voice even praised one of their performances as “the best CMJ gig.” Bajah has toured extensively across the United States, supporting a diverse array of artists including The Roots, Toubab Krewe, Nneka, and Balkan Beat Box. He made a memorable appearance at Carnegie Hall for the Tibet House benefit, sharing the stage with legends like Iggy Pop, Philip Glass, Patti Smith, and Gogol Bordello, earning a standing ovation.

Bajah’s band features talented musicians: Josh Werner on bass (known for his work with Matisyahu and Lee Scratch Perry), Ivan Katz on drums (from Easy Star All-Stars), and David Bailis on guitar (associated with Pimps of Joytime and John Forte). Experience a live performance, and you’ll quickly understand why Bajah’s shows leave a lasting impression on all who attend.