“This is why Africans cannot get depress…Only white people suffer from depression. Africans are always joyful…They have a community oriented. Every one comes to the festival.”

I just had to share this recent comment on my YouTube Devil Dancing video from someone in the UK, obviously African.

And my comment back: “Thanks.  I couldn’t agree with you more. People in Sierra Leone manage to find joy in everyday life with their community. It’s expressed in dance and music that’s irresistible – and joyful. Westerners need to take lessons here.”

It’s a bit of a stretch this year in Sierra Leone to be joyful with the post- Ebola economic crisis. But I know its music and dance that people are relying on there today.

So, on this Christmas Day, I hope you’re finding joy wherever you may be.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

PS: The YouTube video captures a Rotifunk event with a local dance troupe. It shows them marching into town from their nearby village and getting the devil ready for his dance.  To skip this and get to the main event, skip to about 1:20 on the video.  There’s over 30,000 views on YouTube. Check it out.