I heard April Fool's was cancelled yesterday due to increased economic and emotional hardship in adulthood, is that true?
Na so ah yeri o, na ein mek ah fraid fo post yestadae! Mek una nor fisay na acapella ah gi una 🤣🤣🤣
(Translation: that's what I heard which is why I was scared to post yesterday. I didn't want y'all thinking it was a prank)
Haha. Happy new month and blessed Palm Sunday to observers!
We have completed the first quarter of 2023, how are we feeling?
Personally, the first two months hit me like a ton of bricks, but March really redeemed the beginning of the year for me. To women's month, to new projects and to my first event under my Instagram page: @minameetups curating my first photo exhibition #MinaMeetupsFreetown - thank you Freetown for showing out for your girl! 🥳🥳🥳
If you missed the exhibition, here are some highlights to feast your eyes on:
Wishing you all a great month ahead and great vibes the second quarter of 2023! It's day 11 for Ramadan observers, nearly halfway to the finish line! For Lent observers it is the final week, well done to you all!
April is also the month of Sierra Leone's Independence Day (April 27) - but you all knew that 😊, which means there are a TONS of events. I'm only listing 7 as the title goes, but I will be sure to link you to where you can see others.
But until then, here is a list of things...7 to be exact, of what you can do in Freetown this April:
1) Snap Me - Sierra Leone's first Selfie Studio 🤳🏽
Snap Me Selfie Studio runs the Instagram page @snapme.sl which states it is the first selfie studio in Sierra Leone. They launch their Freetown selfie studio in April and their Makeni branch is scheduled to launch in November 2023.
This is definitely very exciting news for content and digital creators, photographers, creatives and selfie enthusiasts who have seen selfie studios across the world on Tiktok and other social media platforms - now Sierra Leone can boast of one!
They launch on Friday, April 21 2023 and they are situated at Bai Bureh Road (One Word Garage), Rokupa.
Their prices for single entry admission start from nLe 110 and group tickets (5 people) start from nLe 360.
For more information check out their instagram page: @snapme.sl
or check out the Ventix link for more details: Snap Me link
2.) Iftar Buffet with The Swiss Hotel
It is still Ramadan and I am sure you have seen Iftar (meal eaten to break fast) packages floating in your WhatsApp groups, your Facebook feed or Twitter timelines.
The Swiss Hotel offers a weekly Iftar buffet package on Saturdays during the month of Ramadan. They had their first Iftar yesterday which they invited me to en ah it en belful lek tifman wef (and I ate well). If you don't understand Krio, I'm going to need you to find a Krio speaking padi (friend) to help you translate that idiom 🤣.
To eat good like I did yesterday:
Date: every Saturday of Ramadan (April 8, 15 and 22)
Contact: +232 77 399 399 or +232 30 399 399 to make your reservation
Venue: The Swiss Hotel, Spur Road (by Babadorie Junction)
Price: nLe 599
*this is a collaborative post
3. Film Nights at Ballanta 🎥
The Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts presents Film Nights: The Poets and The World of Youssou N'dour.
On Saturday, April 22 2023, "The Poets", a film by Chivas Devinck will be played. The Poets is about two renowned West African poets, Syl Cheney-Coker from Sierra Leone and Niyi Osundare from Nigeria. Additionally, two short films by WAYout will be played and Syl Cheney-Coker and Chivas Devinck will be available for a Q+A (Question and Answer) session.
On Sunday, April 23 2023, the film of the Senegalese renowned singer will be played "The World of Youssou N'dour" as well as two short films by WAYout.
For timing, venue and prices for both events:
Time: 7:30pm prompt
Venue: Ballanta Music Academy, 27 Liverpool Street
Tickets: The entrance is a minimum donation of nLe 200 for one night and nLe 250 for both nights
To attend, RSVP before or by April 18 2023 to +232 30 632 671 or +232 76 627 811
4. April 27 movie premiere 🎥
On Independence Day, WOW Studio 232 debuts the film April 27 starring Antonia Howard, Phebean Swill and George Koroma. Written and directed by Lansana Spartar.
Synopsis: 'April 27' is a gripping drama set against the backdrop of the 1992 military coup in Sierra Leone. Major General Sylvia Gulama played by Phebean Swill is motivated by bad governance, stagnated development and human rights violations to overthrow the government and conduct elections within a reasonable time. However, her intention to hand power back to a democratic government quickly changes.
You can watch this much anticipated film on:
Date: Thursday, April 27 2023
Time: 6pm (Red carpet)
Venue: Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, Lumley Beach
Tickets: nLe 500 | nLe 750 | nLe 1000
To get your ticket and for more information, contact: +232 76 762 376
5. Freetown Business Festival 🧑🏿🤝🧑🏾
Are you a business owner or do you aspire to be one? The Freetown Business Festival by Under 30 CEOs may be for you!
The Freetown Business Festival aims to promote local trade, increase tourism and showcase creatives from various sectors within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
To network and be a part of the festivities:
Date: Thursday, April 27 2023
Time: 12pm
Venue: Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel Gardens, Lumley Beach
Tickets: Early bird: nLe 40 children | nLe 80 adult
At the gate: nLe 50 children | nLe 100 adult
To get your ticket(s), contact +232 74 400 400 or +232 79 949 930
6. Afrocentric Jazz Concert 🎷
After the Independence Day events why not unwind with some jazz?
Telem Uncommon Sounds Freetown presents an Afrocentric Jazz Concert with Solo's Beats.
Date: Friday, April 28 2023
Time: 7pm
Venue: LACS Villa, 3A Cantoment Drive off King Harman Road
Tickets: nLe 200 to be paid via Orange Money to +232 76 383 270
To RSVP: Telem Uncommon Sounds Google Link
Sponsorship options are also available
*this is a collaborative post
7. Silent Party 🎧🪩
Have you been to a SILENT party?
As the name and flyer suggests, music will be played but only through the selected headphones the wearer chooses. You can join the fun and silently enjoy this event on:
Date: Saturday, April 29 2023
Time: 9pm
Venue: The View Sky Lounge, Freetown City Council (FCC)
Ticket: nLe 300
Dress code: Wear a sports jersey
For tables and tickets contact: +232 78 778 789 or +232 73 332 323
And that's all for this edition of Top 7 Things to do in Freetown in April 2023!
As I mentioned in the beginning there are a ton more events during this festive month. You can check out these two pages of more things to do in Freetown this month:
Tin De Ap: Instagram @tin.de.ap
Things To Do in Salone: Instagram @things_to_do_in_salone
That's all from me!
Have a wonderful week,
Mina.
ergo sum cogito
Looking for a curator for your next event or looking to feature your next event on Mina Bilkis? Email me at info@minabilkis.com
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