Now Sweet Salone is available on Video on Demand by Amazon
View the trailer at IMDb here.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Welcome!
You can get copies of "Sweet Salone" from Amazon.com or Film Baby.
Thanks to all of those who helped make this DVD possible.
I am really not one for blogging as you can see from the limited number of posts on here. (Its hard keeping up with all these websites!)
Sweet Salone is now available throughout the world. For people curious about what Freetown may be like, or members of the diaspora hungry for a piece of home, Sweet Salone will soon be available for instant download or for purchase.
There is really no other piece of media that captures what we have been able to do with Sweet Salone, and I am tremendously proud of the position this small film now holds. Positive media regarding the country of Sierra Leone and the city of Freetown, was virtually non-existent when we started principal photography for Sweet Salone. Now among all of the media depicting the civil war era, poverty, American slavery, and other less desirable subjects explored by media makers in Africa, Sierra Leone (Freetown more precisely) now has a film it can be truly proud of, from beginning to end.
As far as news about the film goes...
The film has already been released and available in Sierra Leone since last year and has received a warm welcome from audiences and even government officials. It is my sincere hope to be able to return to Freetown to chronicle the continued goings on of a developing nation on the rise. Sweet Salone Vol 2. ?
We will have to keep our fingers crossed and hope that everything falls in place. A second volume would be able to capitalize on the notoriety of the first and show audiences much more of what Sierra Leone is about, and has to offer to the popular culture.
The older posts have dead links but I will leave them up anyway. Source Mag links are gone, Chosan's issue with Kanye was corrected and settled by the end of 2009. http://www.sweetsalone.com/ was attacked by a very strong internet virus and has come down. I am considering changing http://www.wundeucemedia.com/ to another provider and updated info so please come again and forgive the temporary dead ends. Thanks.
SS in Japan??
Sweet Salone trailer in Japan?? Go ahead and click the link you know you want to.
The internet is truly amazing...
The internet is truly amazing...
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Sweet Salone Update April 19th SOURCE MAG BLOG
The New Sweet Salone Official Mashup Trailer is out. You can watch it here or go to the Sweet Salone website.
SOURCE MAGAZINE's blog has featured Sweet Salone! Check it out with this link and send them an email to thank them for supporting Independent Media and standing up for those media makers that are not rich and famous. Definite shout and shots out to The Source Mag Blog site (BRRAAH!! BRRAAH!!) for not being afraid to tell the truth!
http://blog.thesource.com/archive/2008/02/15/filmmaker-blasts-kanye-west-for-hypocrisy.aspx
The Feature Trailer will be out soon so please come back and view that as well! Dont forget to Register or sign our Guestbook so that we can keep you updated.
C-ya and Wun Deuce Media would like to thank and welcome members of Connect The Docs, and Filmmakers Workshop for their help and support. We look forward to meeting new friends and working with the Boston filmmaking community.
Sweet Salone is currently in the rough cut stage, while we continue to focus on the best outlet for Sweet Salone's audience. The rough cut and trailers are available for private screenings so contact us if you are interested or would like more information.
SOURCE MAGAZINE's blog has featured Sweet Salone! Check it out with this link and send them an email to thank them for supporting Independent Media and standing up for those media makers that are not rich and famous. Definite shout and shots out to The Source Mag Blog site (BRRAAH!! BRRAAH!!) for not being afraid to tell the truth!
http://blog.thesource.com/archive/2008/02/15/filmmaker-blasts-kanye-west-for-hypocrisy.aspx
The Feature Trailer will be out soon so please come back and view that as well! Dont forget to Register or sign our Guestbook so that we can keep you updated.
C-ya and Wun Deuce Media would like to thank and welcome members of Connect The Docs, and Filmmakers Workshop for their help and support. We look forward to meeting new friends and working with the Boston filmmaking community.
Sweet Salone is currently in the rough cut stage, while we continue to focus on the best outlet for Sweet Salone's audience. The rough cut and trailers are available for private screenings so contact us if you are interested or would like more information.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Filmmaker Blasts Kanye West for Hypocrisy
Wun Deuce Media and Sieh (C-ya) Samura are in production for the documentary, Sweet Salone, about the growing new music culture of Sierra Leone, and the rise of Hip Hop. The film includes many talented music artists, including Kao Denero and Chosan, who are increasingly gaining international attention. Sweet Salone is part of an effort to bring positive attention to a country and group of talented artists that have been so often taken advantage of.
C-ya is becoming increasingly vocal about Kanye West’s exploitation of Sierra Leone and its people for material gain. The Song Diamonds from Sierra Leone, also known simply as Blood Diamonds, earned Kanye a Grammy in 2006 for Best Rap Song. Samura, whose father is a native of Sierra Leone, says that after working closely with Sierra Leone born, NY-based rapper Chosan, Kanye has refused to compensate the artist. Chosan was actually shocked to hear his voice as the intro to the song, and confused to find that the celebrity had used his voice without any agreement or negotiation.
The Entertainment world is aware of Kanye West’s track record as a rap music heavyweight and an often outspoken celebrity, but it seems that he needs to practice a little more of what he preaches.
C-ya calls Kanye a hypocrite for taking advantage of the Sierra Leonean artist while at the same time decrying exploitation. “The song is about the exploitation of Africans, but that is exactly what he is doing by not recognizing and compensating those that helped him. “Kanye is making all kinds of money from his music, but refuses to deal with Chosan honestly? It’s just another example of the manipulation, dishonesty, and greed, which has destroyed the country [Sierra Leone] in the first place. Take, take, take and no give. I’m tired of it, we’re tired of it.”- Samura
The film of the same name, Blood Diamonds, was an international success but boycotted in many countries because the film did very little to help the country of Sierra Leone or the people who suffer there. In fact the film has simply continued to reinforce the stigma of Sierra Leone as a godless place with no value besides the diamonds.
“I am grateful that there is increased awareness about the abuse of West Africa. But I can not help but to be frustrated to see all this media content being generated with little or no positive effect on the country. That is why I made this film, to show Sierra Leone for its beauty, talent, and perseverance. Hip Hop comes from Africa. It is time for American artists and audiences to recognize that.”-Samura
For additional information on Sweet Salone or C-ya Samura visit http://www.sweetsalone.net/ or email samuraent@yahoo.com . Sweet Salone is expected to be completed by March and will compete in several national and local film festivals throughout the 2008 season.
Wun Deuce Media Productions – Is a Video Production Company in Boston, Massachusetts.
- END -
C-ya is becoming increasingly vocal about Kanye West’s exploitation of Sierra Leone and its people for material gain. The Song Diamonds from Sierra Leone, also known simply as Blood Diamonds, earned Kanye a Grammy in 2006 for Best Rap Song. Samura, whose father is a native of Sierra Leone, says that after working closely with Sierra Leone born, NY-based rapper Chosan, Kanye has refused to compensate the artist. Chosan was actually shocked to hear his voice as the intro to the song, and confused to find that the celebrity had used his voice without any agreement or negotiation.
The Entertainment world is aware of Kanye West’s track record as a rap music heavyweight and an often outspoken celebrity, but it seems that he needs to practice a little more of what he preaches.
C-ya calls Kanye a hypocrite for taking advantage of the Sierra Leonean artist while at the same time decrying exploitation. “The song is about the exploitation of Africans, but that is exactly what he is doing by not recognizing and compensating those that helped him. “Kanye is making all kinds of money from his music, but refuses to deal with Chosan honestly? It’s just another example of the manipulation, dishonesty, and greed, which has destroyed the country [Sierra Leone] in the first place. Take, take, take and no give. I’m tired of it, we’re tired of it.”- Samura
The film of the same name, Blood Diamonds, was an international success but boycotted in many countries because the film did very little to help the country of Sierra Leone or the people who suffer there. In fact the film has simply continued to reinforce the stigma of Sierra Leone as a godless place with no value besides the diamonds.
“I am grateful that there is increased awareness about the abuse of West Africa. But I can not help but to be frustrated to see all this media content being generated with little or no positive effect on the country. That is why I made this film, to show Sierra Leone for its beauty, talent, and perseverance. Hip Hop comes from Africa. It is time for American artists and audiences to recognize that.”-Samura
For additional information on Sweet Salone or C-ya Samura visit http://www.sweetsalone.net/ or email samuraent@yahoo.com . Sweet Salone is expected to be completed by March and will compete in several national and local film festivals throughout the 2008 season.
Wun Deuce Media Productions – Is a Video Production Company in Boston, Massachusetts.
- END -
Friday, February 15, 2008
Open Letter To Kanye West
Mr. West,
I am a filmmaker in production for a documentary called, Sweet Salone, which is about the growing music culture of Sierra Leone and Hip Hop’s growing dominance within it. I have had the pleasure of working with a large number of music artists from Sierra Leone, from Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars and Alonzo, to Kao Denero and Chosan in New York. My unique position as the filmmaker of Sweet Salone, obligates me to stand up for these artists and the country.
You won a Grammy award for your song Diamonds from Sierra Leone/Blood Diamonds, and still refuse to properly compensate or recognize Chosan for his assistance? Chosan is a native Sierra Leonean, a friend, and a tremendously giving soul. He has told me that he was shocked to hear his voice on the song. He helped you understand the country and its people, and never heard from you after the night you two worked together? No mutual agreements or contracts? He is still waiting to hear from you.
I am disappointed and confused to learn of your hypocrisy. My father is from Sierra Leone and I have many family members there. They are all traumatized by the recent war. I do not want to believe that you would intentionally and purposefully, exploit Africans while decrying exploitation in Africa.
Sierra Leone is a beautiful country with famously welcoming people. Have you ever been there? The film Blood Diamonds was very successful but was filmed in Mozambique and really only strengthened the country’s stigma and negative image.
I am grateful that there is increased awareness about the abuse of West Africa. But I can not help but to be frustrated and angered to see all this media content being generated with little or no positive effect on the country. That is why I made this film, to show Sierra Leone for its beauty, talent, and perseverance. Hip Hop comes from Africa. It is time for American artists and audiences to recognize that.
I urge you to contact Chosan and deal with him in an honest manner. It is never too late to correct a wrong. You found him easy enough when you requested his assistance. If you would like to see what is really going on in Sierra Leone now, then view Sweet Salone when it is released. I am sure you will learn something.
Sieh (Cya) Samura
Wun Deuce Media Productions
(617)7923365
samuraent@yahoo.com
http://www.wundeucemedia.com/
http://www.sweetsalone.net/
-END-
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Iraq Combat Veteran/Filmmaker Exposes Post-War Generation In Documentary “Sweet Salone”
Boston, MA, Feb 5, 2008 –
Iraq Combat Veteran and Filmmaker, Sieh (C-ya) Samura is in post-production for a documentary called, “Sweet Salone”. A younger cousin of the internationally renowned video-journalist Sorious Samura: It is the Boston filmmaker’s first attempt at the documentary format which he has found to be tremendously rewarding and therapeutic.
“Sweet Salone”, was filmed between November and December of 2007, in the post-civil war nation of Sierra Leone, West Africa. It is about the increasingly popular music culture of the country. The young music artists of Sierra Leone are living in one of the most economically depressed regions of the world (ranked 177th for Human Development by UNDP), and are a generation that has lived through war and widely publicized atrocities.
The music that these young Africans create has had a tremendous impact on their society, educating citizens about national politics, keeping corrupt politicians in check, sensitizing the population to social issues such as HIV prevention and promoting peace. C-ya wants to show the positive side of a region that’s more known for despair, due to popular films such as Sorious’ “Cry Freetown”, and Hollywood blockbusters like “Tears of the Sun”, and “Blood Diamonds”.
As an Army truck driver deployed to Iraq at the beginning of the war, C-ya has experienced much of the same feelings that this generation of musicians have experienced. The fear, confusion, stress, and frustration of the war experience lead C-ya to retreat to his father’s native country of Sierra Leone, where he met many traumatized family members and decided to document the sense of optimism that has been created there, largely as a result of the actions of the local music artists.
C-ya and artists in the film remain extremely upbeat as they poor their energies into their respective art forms. From the world famous Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars to the unknown underground rappers of Freetown, “Sweet Salone”, is the most comprehensive introduction to the new music culture of this growing African nation. C-ya has found the experience to be restorative and has learned a new way to cope with the ghosts that follow all those touched by war. He hopes that his documentary will have the same positive effect that the artists in his film have achieved.
C-ya also produces other video content with his company Wun Deuce Media Productions (named for his squadron in Iraq), as he builds on the relationships created by making “Sweet Salone”. Like few others he is optimistic about the future of his post-war peers, in Africa, and at home.
For additional information on “Sweet Salone” or C-ya Samura visit http://www.sweetsalone.net/ or email samuraent@yahoo.com . “Sweet Salone” is expected to be completed by March and will compete in several national and local film festivals throughout the 2008 season.
Wun Deuce Media Productions – Is a Video Production Company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Iraq Combat Veteran and Filmmaker, Sieh (C-ya) Samura is in post-production for a documentary called, “Sweet Salone”. A younger cousin of the internationally renowned video-journalist Sorious Samura: It is the Boston filmmaker’s first attempt at the documentary format which he has found to be tremendously rewarding and therapeutic.
“Sweet Salone”, was filmed between November and December of 2007, in the post-civil war nation of Sierra Leone, West Africa. It is about the increasingly popular music culture of the country. The young music artists of Sierra Leone are living in one of the most economically depressed regions of the world (ranked 177th for Human Development by UNDP), and are a generation that has lived through war and widely publicized atrocities.
The music that these young Africans create has had a tremendous impact on their society, educating citizens about national politics, keeping corrupt politicians in check, sensitizing the population to social issues such as HIV prevention and promoting peace. C-ya wants to show the positive side of a region that’s more known for despair, due to popular films such as Sorious’ “Cry Freetown”, and Hollywood blockbusters like “Tears of the Sun”, and “Blood Diamonds”.
As an Army truck driver deployed to Iraq at the beginning of the war, C-ya has experienced much of the same feelings that this generation of musicians have experienced. The fear, confusion, stress, and frustration of the war experience lead C-ya to retreat to his father’s native country of Sierra Leone, where he met many traumatized family members and decided to document the sense of optimism that has been created there, largely as a result of the actions of the local music artists.
C-ya and artists in the film remain extremely upbeat as they poor their energies into their respective art forms. From the world famous Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars to the unknown underground rappers of Freetown, “Sweet Salone”, is the most comprehensive introduction to the new music culture of this growing African nation. C-ya has found the experience to be restorative and has learned a new way to cope with the ghosts that follow all those touched by war. He hopes that his documentary will have the same positive effect that the artists in his film have achieved.
C-ya also produces other video content with his company Wun Deuce Media Productions (named for his squadron in Iraq), as he builds on the relationships created by making “Sweet Salone”. Like few others he is optimistic about the future of his post-war peers, in Africa, and at home.
For additional information on “Sweet Salone” or C-ya Samura visit http://www.sweetsalone.net/ or email samuraent@yahoo.com . “Sweet Salone” is expected to be completed by March and will compete in several national and local film festivals throughout the 2008 season.
Wun Deuce Media Productions – Is a Video Production Company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
SWEET SALONE {OFFICIAL} MASHUP TRAILER WDMP from wundeucemedia on Vimeo.
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