What a wonderful trip to Freetown with WAYout Arts.

We crammed an awful lot into our three days on the ground in Freetown.

TV & Radio to promote the work they do, outreach in King Jimmies and Fisher Street Market, a visit to Kissi Town where the small satellite studio is used by some 300 young people, this was set up in the aftermath of our 2016 trip.

There were studio sessions with the Blackstreet Family, Meeky, Surprise and Mash P. Performances from Meeky, Facebook, Sulcut, The Iron Team, WAYout poets including the amazing Moses, a talent show, a dance comp and visits to the homes of WAYout members as well as a guitar fixing workshop.

A thoroughly enjoyable if exhausting visit. The value of which is apparent through discussions with the young people involved. One young man from Susan’s Bay – a slum area we visited in 2016 walks to the studio each week to learn music making, specifically the guitar. He then goes back to his community to share what he has learned. Youth in Fisher Street market were so appreciative of the support and opportunities created.

We explained that it was WAYout and not us who deserved the credit, it is them on the frontline and that we were just so very happy to be able to help in a small way.

The efforts in the UK and beyond to raise money goes such a long way and the disadvantaged and street youth supported through WAYout are so grateful for the chance to learn. We will go back again maybe next year and continue to support this wonderful project which uses music and the arts to empower young people.

Special shout out to our friend, support & ambassador – Frank Turner – for his continued support in the Joe Strummer Foundation and the work we do.

Good to luck to everyone.