Sierra Leone became independent in 1961. As Independence Day approached, soldiers polished their boots, lawyers drafted a constitution, and two men wrote what would become Sierra Leone’s new anthem. In this episode, Charlie Haffner listens to “High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free” and uses it to chart Sierra Leone’s journey as a sovereign nation.

With special guests: Dr Sama Banya and Professor Joe AD Alie

A podcast series produced by Novel Studios for Africell.

Presented: Charlie Haffner

Written and created: Charlie Haffner and Sam Williams

Edited: Nadia Mehdi

Executive producers: Sam Williams and Max O'Brien

Sound design and mixing: Naomi Clarke

Special thanks: Abdul Karim Sesay, Shadi Gerjawi, Eleanor Biggs, Claire Crofton, Pippa Smith and the Africell Impact Foundation.