Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars

Full name	Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars
Country	Sierra Leone

Out of the Sierra Leonean Civil War came one of West Africa’s most inspiring bands. Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars formed in the refugee camps of neighboring Guinea. Displaced musicians turned to song to heal, comfort, and survive.

The band was founded in 2002 by lead singer Reuben Koroma and his wife Grace. Key founding members included Francis "Franco" John Langba, Mohamed Bangura, Abdul Rahim Kamara, and Alhadji Jeffrey Kamara (Black Nature). Playing on battered acoustic guitars, they blended reggae and Afrobeat with traditional bubu and milo jazz rhythms.

American filmmakers documented their story in a 2005 film. Their 2006 debut album, Living Like a Refugee, brought them global fame. Icons like Keith Richards and Paul Simon praised their work. Later albums like Rise & Shine and Radio Salone solidified their international presence. They went on to play major festivals like Bonnaroo and Fuji Rock while advocating for displaced people through the UN Refugee Agency.

What is your favorite tune by this legendary band? Leave a comment below!