As Sierra Leoneans we have yet to focus on our gradually disappearing heritage - both tangible and auditory. Achieving this goal cannot be limited to the spoken word, theatrical performances and media expositions, but also through writing, graphic illustrations and publications for records and posterity.  This is exactly what Dr. Kitty Fadlu-Deen has accomplished through her beautiful work of heart felt labour - Musical Instruments & Spirit Masks of Sierra Leone.  As you read through, whether as a scholar, an expert in musical heritage education, or just as a casually informed reader, do not take this book for granted but rather read, weigh and sincerely consider its contents; with full flavor and spices. Consider also the vital role a publication of this caliber plays in the enhancement of music and cultural education for our basic education.  The author, Dr. Kitty Fadlu-Deen, was born in Singapore; of South-East Asian descent, was married to late Alhaji Dr. A.T. Fadlu-Deen, and currently succeeded by four children and six grandchildren. She has lived and worked in Sierra Leone, tirelessly, throughout her entire forty-eight years of marriage. A graduate of the University College Dublin and the University of York, Kitty, as she is fondly known, has dedicated herself as a music educator in Sierra Leone for close to half a century.  A music professional blessed with an in-depth understanding of the international music scene, her deep appreciation of the variety, richness and vastness of the music of Sierra Leone has always been the inspiration that drives Kitty’s commitment to music education. A towering testimony of this inspiration is the Ballanta Academy of Music that she co-founded in Freetown - 1995.  Musical Instruments and Spirit Masks is not only an enthusiastic celebration of Sierra Leonean music and masquerades but also a unique tribute to all traditional musicians, practitioners and those involved in its research, documentation and promotion.  The latter sections of the book focus on masks and masquerade dancers found in Sierra Leone, with direct reference to the secret society to which each mask belongs. I find this simple yet colourful approach very useful in understanding Sierra Leone’s secret societies which have been kept in the cupboard of dark secrets for far too long.  For me, one of the greatest privileges in my forty plus years of a career in the performing arts, is having the opportunity and absolute pleasure of working with Kitty. The first experience was as an instructor of drama; having her as Head of Department of Music and Drama at the Milton Margai College of Education and then in the past three years as co-commissioner of the NaMonuments and Relics Commission.  History will judge Kitty as an intellectual giant among music scholars and educators. Our creative and heritage industry will endure if we all make efforts to commit these lessons to heart that are so passionately taught by Dr. Kitty Fadlu-Deen as a scholar, educator, author, mentor, activist, patriot, wife, mother and grandmother - otherwise we will be held guilty of neglecting our future generations.  Charlie Haffner  Founder Director General  Freetong Players International Theatre Group (FPI)