In November 2015 London-based fast-rising international recording artist/producer SILVASTONE returned to his beloved Sierra Leone for a couple of weeks where he reminisced about growing up in its capital, Freetown. It had been a good few years since his last prolonged visit to the city where he’d spent much of his teenage years and where he’d initially discovered his musical talent.
Whilst in town working and catching up with family plus friends the MOBO Awards and Urban Music Awards (UMA) ‘Best African Act 2015’ nominee – plus, winner of the ‘Best Album/EP’ in the ‘Sierra Leone 232 Entertainment Awards’, was also very warmly welcomed by everyone everywhere he went whilst he promoted his music to fans and media who had long awaited his return having seen and heard about his achievements and international accolades online and on TV there. Inspired by this genuine love and the feeling of finally being back he eagerly jumped into a local studio to produce and record a song specifically dedicated to the city and the people of Sierra Leone.
In what is thought to be amongst the first of 4K HD Afrobeats videos posted online “It’s All Love (Salone Love)” lovingly documents SILVASTONE’s upbringing in Freetown. In this uptempo feel-good song he sings about his deepened roots in Sierra Leone whilst giving you an entertaining tour around the city he still calls home and pays homage to the people he forever holds dear to his heart. The accompanying music video was also filmed during that same visit and aimed to catch the vibe of the city in its non-glossy but warm welcoming glory. It heavily features the real stars of Salone – the common folk, street entrepreneurs and regular residents who bring colour to this vibrant city daily.
Born in South London to Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian parentage SILVASTONE was at the age of 11 sent to live with his father in Congo Cross area of Freetown. With initially nothing more than his dad’s piano to play with and a radio to play along to he discovered he had a keen musical ear and ability to replay songs he heard or melodies he conjured in his head. This talent was further encouraged by his teachers at the nearby King Harman Secondary School and their support nurtured his musical interests into the passion that has seen him go on to produce, write and record with some of the most talented artists from around the world including Sarkodie, Rita Ora, Yemi Alade, Chidinma, Ace Hood, D’banj, Wanlov, Sneakbo, Davido, Mark Morrison, Chaka Demus, 2Face, etc.
Look out for a 2016 documentary that details his story further, for now enjoy the homecoming and spread the love and share the link….. “It’s All Love (Salone Love)”