The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, together with its sub-vented agency, the Monuments and Relics Commission, in collaboration with the Shain Foundation and the Reggae Movement, has unveiled a plaque at Aberdeen Beach in memory of the late Reggae Icon to Preserve his rich history and Legacy.

Amara Kamara died on the 22nd June, 2003. The unveiling of the plaque in his memory marked 21 years of his death.

In her remarks, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis stated that they were not just unveiling a monument but also celebrating the enduring legacy of the legend, Amara Kabba. She highlighted that the event aligns with the TFA campaign June’s theme and serves as a reminder of everyone’s responsibility to contribute positively to Sierra Leone. Minister Tunis urged everyone to consider their actions and their impact on how they will be remembered in the future. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to honoring past and present talents across all disciplines relevant to its mandate while encouraging all to appreciate the natural beauty of Sierra Leone.

The wife of late Amara Kabba, Ann-Marie Kabba appreciated the Ministry for honoring her late husband, saying that the legacy of his music will continue to inspire all

She expressed gratitude to the Shain Foundation, the Reggae Union, and the Reggae Movement, emphasizing that this gesture by President Bio’s government through the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs marks a significant step towards future collaboration with Madam Kabba’s Shain Foundation.

The event concluded with Minister Nabeela Tunis and Ann-Marie Kabba laying a wreath at the plaque.

Twenty-one years after the death of Sierra Leonean musician Amara Kabba, his Dutch wife, Anne Marie Kabba, is determined to strengthen his legacy through the ‘Shine Foundation.’

In an exclusive interview with Anne Marie shared her vision to carry forward her late husband’s dreams and contributions to music and social causes in Sierra Leone.

Anne Marie Kabba, who resides in Amsterdam, Holland, expressed a deep emotional and psychological commitment to honouring Amara’s legacy. She reminisced about the tragic day her husband drowned at Lumley Beach while celebrating with his family in the early 2000s.

“After the death of my husband, I had to leave Sierra Leone with my four-year-old daughter,” Anne Marie recalled. “I was pregnant at the time, and losing Amara was a devastating blow. I always felt the need to continue his work for the sake of our family and his memory.”

Returning to Sierra Leone in 2006, Anne Marie’s primary focus has been to revive Amara’s dreams by collaborating with both the Blind Union and Reggae Union to relaunch the Shine Foundation, initially unveiled in 2006.