Abdul Sy’Rai: A testament to the untapped Sierra Leonean talent
In early 2000, Abdul “Sy’Rai” Yilla fled Freetown, Sierra Leone to avoid the atrocities of a civil war, notorious for recruiting child soldiers. He and his brother settled in Canada Ten years later, Abdul is a Canadian citizen and in pursuit of a music career. Sy’Rai is now a multi-talented singer/song writer and producer, based in Victoria, B.C., Canada.
He has worked with world renowned artists, Wyclef Jean and Beenie Man. He has collaborated with “The Writing Camp”, known for writing and producing songs by multiplatinum artists, such as Beyonce, Rihanna and Sean Kingston, just to name a few. Sy’Rai released a track in 2005, called “All by Myself”, reaching over thirty- million listeners across canada and hit no. 2 on Contemporary Hit Radio. This song followed the release of an R&B track in 2004, that caught the attention of many Canadians.
In 2002, he was devastated to learn that his father had suddenly passed away in his hometown. Sy’Rai, however, was unable to return to his homeland due to his application Canadian Citizenship. This was the catalyst to Sy’rai’s commitment to one day get home and reconnect with his family and community.
He finally returned home to Freetown in 2009. Sy’Rai not only had the opportunity to visit his father’s grave, but also contributed, along with his past record company at the time, to building a youth based War Child project with A.U.C.A.Y.D. This group of young people use music, drama and dance to reach thousands of youth who have experienced the devastation of violence and war.
A song was recorded and a music video was shot, about the recovery and rebuilding after the devastation. He has just released his latest music video titled: ‘Good Time’. The new video was shot in Miama.
Contact Sy’Rai: www.facebook.com/syraimusic www.instagram.com/syraimusic www.twitter.com/syraimusic Murtala Mohamed Kamara, SaloneJamboreeStay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
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