The Use of Pop Songs by Sierra Leonean Youths in Enjoying the Space Created for Freedom of Expression after the Civil War

Postwar governance reform in Sierra Leone is gradually creating a public space conducive to free expression. Youths, who for long 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 exercise of this right without taking into consideration the rights of others or the stability of the state. There is also the apparent lack of political will to keep this space open and free of manipulation.