Sierra Leonean rapper in double trouble

Drama featuring a popular Sierra Leonean hip-hop star, LAJ, has now entered into the country's court of law. Only yesterday, the rapper and his rival were granted bail in what echoes American 'gangsta-style' trial: one minuet they are out of court, the next one in.

The rapper, whose real name is Alhaji Amadou Bah, spent ten days in police custody before he was charged on Monday over his alleged involvement in the death of three people, following a night club brawl.

This follows an incident that happened on Saturday January 14. Breaking out in a night club in Freetown's jolly western end, it involved LAJ, who heads the so-called Red Flag Movement or RFM, and a rival group headed by another 'gangsta' named simply as Big Fish.

The conflict started when the two groups quarrelled in the club over a girl, allegedly provoking LAJ to fire several shots in the air in self-defence as he boarded his car outside the club.
An attempt by the rapper to drive away opened a car chase along one of Freetown's narrow streets, resulting in an accident that claimed the life of one person on the spot.

Previously, tensions between the two groups have forced authorities to restrict their gigs.

The charges

When they appeared in court yesterday, the rapper and his co-accused were charged with a total of five counts – four for the rapper, including possession and unlawful use of a firearm, and one for Big Fish, for unruly behaviour.

The police could not instantly verify initial reports that the rapper shot at the car that was involved in the accident. Apparently under pressure to deliver on public expectations, the investigators are standing their ground on allegations that he shot three warning shots in the air. But the rapper denies this and insists he doesn't posses a gun.
The Sierra Leoneans are very sensitive about any form of violence, and so reports of its occurrence often leave suspects battling against public opinion.

The present case at some point dominated the pages of local tabloids, despite the prevailing charged electioneering period, something that isn't very surprising considering the rapper's popularity and influence.
And this explained the presence of heavy security at the court venue when he was first arraigned. His supporters, in their characteristic red attires, lined the court premises to show their support.
But just a few hours after their release amid some public outcry, news emerged that the rapper had been rearrested alongside his co-accused. Unlike their previous detention, however, the duo was sent to the notorious Pademba Road Prison.

Political influence
Sources close to the rapper indicate that he is blaming political influence for the dramatic twist in his case.

Over the years, LAJ's trademark red colour has fed rumour of his link to Sierra Leone's ruling All Peoples Congress (APC). While others have used this to justify their linking the governing party's alleged history of violence, the rapper is now alleging that senior police officers with links to the opposition SLPP wants him to “go down” for obvious reasons.
In Sierra Leone, red and green, the colours of the two main political parties, are so symbolic that a public official who wants to keep a neutral outlook would never be seen dressing in them.

Gang rivalry is not entirely new in Sierra Leone, but this is the first time it has involved shooting and death.
The greatest rivalry exists between the Red Flag Movement and a group called the Black Leo. Like LAJ, the head of the Black Leo lives abroad. Between them they have adopted the Tupac-Biggy style of rivalry, with their lyrics infested with abusive language.