Morasta's Story
Abdul Rahman Sesay, mainly known as Morasta, is originally from Sierra Leone, where he initiated his work of sensibilization for change through music. This form of activism has benefited the local communities in Sierra Leone, especially the youth. His work experience is directly connected with the country’s history of struggles – associated with the civil war, poor economy and rising tensions due to diverse religious beliefs.
As a young man, Abdul Rahman left Sierra Leone and lived as a refugee in Guinea. This was a time when many young men were recruited to fight and most of his friends died. In Guinea, he united with others who shared the same human values as him. Their common purpose was to interact with the communities and bring the youth together. They initiated an NGO entitled “Une Afrique” and they worked in close collaboration with Embassies and the United nations. This moment marks the beginning of a movement and represents his calling and his chosen identity when Abdul Rahman became Morasta.
The name MORASTA stands for Movement Of Religious Awareness Shown To Africa. Morasta embodies the essence of his work by enabling communities to reflect on a common humanity and positive change with consciousness, tolerance, respect, kindness and purpose beyond religious beliefs.
Morasta has effectively used his music, practical activities and sports to unite people against the war while promoting collaborative organized work. With the music positive messages in the melodies speak to people in a deeper level.
Throughout his journey back to Sierra Leone, Morasta has collaborated with different organizations, the government, community leaders and stakeholders. He was able to establish a meeting point where the community could gather and work in different projects. He initiated POYDO – Post Office Youth Development Organization and was given a land from government to develop educational programs to rehabilitate child soldiers, street children and youth in need.
Morasta established the Lion Mountain Development – Finland to extend the work he initiated in Sierra Leone. He became a member of Safra, where he works as chairman.
He continues his work connecting and influencing people with a sense of tolerance, purpose, social responsibility, but also with the intention to create practical opportunities to those in need.
With UnitedDiaspora, Morasta has established partnerships with other people in diaspora worldwide: Canada, USA, Norway and Sweden. This model aims to exchange experiences and reach a wider commitment, redirecting the knowledge back to the home communities in Africa.
At United Diaspora, he will focus on tangible outcomes, continuing his work of developing communities, leading the base in Sierra Leone. The projects will offer mutual benefits between business initiatives from Europe and developing African communities.
“I believe in the importance of embracing spirituality, but to make real change we need to be practical.”
“When we bring people together, our message works better than politics.”