By Alie Turay
Sierra Leonean born London base Jazz superstar Collins Pratt [aka De Champ] and his 9 year old son Alexandra Pratt, last Saturday rocked the stage of ‘The Office’ night club Aberdeen, West Freetown with a threading performance for a well attended audience both old and young .
The live concert which was sponsored by Mercury International was organized by Bami Baker who happens to be the manager of Pratt in Sierra Leone.
Speaking with the star artist, Pratt said he started his musical career during his days at Prince of Wales School Brass Band, where he became the best saxophonist from there, he joined several local dance bands in Sierra Leone.
He released his first album in 1986 titled ‘Taya Nor Go Taya’ which was a big hit. He later released another album in 1996 ten years after his first album named ‘Salone Man Too Gbana’. His biggest selling album in Sierra Leone was ‘E Go Well’ with the Righteous. Pratt left for England few years back to find a greener pasture.
While in London, he became a producer for John Gbla, King Masco and several other Sierra Leonean musicians in England. Pratt who has now changed his music style to jazz, came home with his wife and son for holiday.
He said he was convinced by his manager to perform in a live concert, which he said will turn the attention of Sierra Leoneans to jazz music.
Before taking the stage, he told Awoko that he was going to give the audience smooth jazz. This, he said, will quickly turn the attention of non jazz lovers to jazz music.
After playing some nice smooth jazz music, he had the honour to introduced his 9 year old son, Alexandra Pratt whom he described as a future talent jazz star.
Alexandra Pratt is presently studying music at the Royal School Of Music in London. He is the youngest musician in the world with grade 5 ABSM.
However Pratt senior commended Sierra Leone music but advised the young musicians not to forget their culture. He gave special acknowledgement to Emerson and Famous for keeping Sierra Leone culture in music.
The audience was overwhelmed with the performance of both Pratt Senior and Junior with a standing ovation by requesting him and his team to extend time, but he promised to perform more at the Bamoi Hotel, Aberdeen Freetown, on Saturday.
Pratt also advised Salone musicians to practice good song writing.