Meet Amie Kallon, our Woman Crush for the seventh week in the year.

Many folk singers have come and gone as fast as the wind, but like a whirlwind, Amie is an exceptional traditional folk singer who have not only stormed the country’s music industry with great talent, but like a whirlwind left a great impact on it.

Amie was born and raised in Kenema (eastern Sierra Leone) and belongs to the matriarchic Mende tribe. She hails from the Mende ethnic group, one of the largest ethnic groups in the country (predominantly living in the south and east of the country). She performs traditional Mende music, sung in the native tongue; part of her repertoire are parables and Mende folklore. She is perhaps the most well known female Mende singer. She sings exclusively in Mende but has fans from all over the country. (https://www.spinabifida.net/)

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Though it was unclear when she started singing, Amie rose to prominence in the 80s. With live performance with 8-10 instrumentalist and dancers, she won the heart of her fans; moving their bodies with her oral literature. With her words and music, she played an important role during the Sierra Leone Civil War (1991-2002) as she was one of few artists who continued producing music during the war and made public her views on the rebels.

A renowned musician and dancer, Amie Kallon is a prominent figure of oral literature in Sierra Leone. Amie Kallon is a cultural icon and a pioneer in bringing traditional music and Mende folklore to the international stage. She has inspired many of the younger Mende musicians both male and female. She has inspired many of the younger Mende musicians both male and female.

She is considered one of the most influential musicians of her time.