Salone Stories
A podcast series from Africell.
Presented by legendary playwright, historian and traditional storyteller Charlie Haffner, this podcast series explores the personalities, places and events that have shaped Sierra Leone, one of Africa’s most extraordinary countries.
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.
Salone Stories
Episode 1 - The Cotton Tree
Many countries have an iconic building. Sierra Leone had an iconic tree. The giant cotton tree which stood in the heart of Sierra Leone’s capital symbolised the country’s origins as a haven for freed slaves. Until the day it fell in 2023 it was regarded by locals as having mystical powers. In this episode (which was recorded before the tree came down) Charlie Haffner visits Freetown’s famous cotton tree and explains what it tells us about his home.
With special guests: Professor Joe AD Alie and Olivette Linda Barnett
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.
