S. E. Rogie
Summary
S. E. Rogie (1926–1994), born Sooliman Ernest Rogers, was a Sierra Leonean singer and guitarist associated with palm-wine music. His baritone and guitar carried intimate songs about ordinary lives to an international audience.[1]
Life and career
He worked as a tailor before becoming a professional musician. He formed the Morningstars in 1965, later lived in the United States and moved to Britain in 1988. Teaching performances in American schools were another part of his musical life. He returned to Sierra Leone for benefit concerts in 1993 and died in July 1994.[1]
Music and style
An early enthusiasm for country singer Jimmie Rodgers contributed to his developing vocal personality. Later American experience broadened his engagement with blues. The Real World liner notes describe electric guitar entering an acoustic guitar-and-percussion foundation. These exchanges accompanied a highly personal palm-wine approach, with melodic warmth and reflective words carrying the songs' social meaning.[2]
Works and performances
'My Lovely Elizabeth', 'Go Easy with Me' and 'Koneh Pehlawo' are notable songs. His final album, Dead Men Don't Smoke Marijuana, appeared in May 1994. Its repertoire includes 'A Time in My Life' and 'African Gospel'; the sessions also brought him into contact with bassist Danny Thompson.[1][2]
Selected recordings in MuGlobe:
- My Lovely Elizabeth — Palm-wine music.
- Toomus Meremereh Nor Good — Palm-wine music.
- Kpindigbi — Palm-wine music.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Real World Records: S.E. Rogie biography. Accessed 23 October 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Real World Records: Dead Men Don’t Smoke Marijuana, liner notes. Accessed 23 October 2026.