By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone — September 9, 2025: Despite a global boom in digital music streaming and live performances, Sierra Leone’s emerging artists continue to face daunting financial challenges that threaten their creative livelihoods. While the global music market is projected to reach $200 billion within the next decade, local musicians remain trapped in a cycle of exposure without income, hindered by weak monetization structures, piracy, and limited access to international payment systems.
According to industry analyst Lansana Diabe, Sierra Leone’s music streaming market is expected to generate only $440,800 in 2025, with a modest rise to $523,000 by 2027. Music downloads are projected to yield just $10,860 this year, increasing slightly to $14,120 in two years. Advertising revenue from platforms like Audiomack and TuneCore is forecast at a mere $47,790.
For artists like 24-year-old rapper Kelvin Bangura, known as Kel B., these figures reflect a harsh reality. “I have songs on Audiomack, but I’ve never collected even $10 from streams. I do it for love, but sometimes love doesn’t pay the bills,” he said from his modest studio in Waterloo.
Live Events Offer Limited Relief
While live performances provide some income, the benefits are skewed toward established artists. The music events market is expected to generate $419,500 in 2024, but newcomers often receive minimal compensation. “Promoters might give you Le 300 just for transport. Most of us borrow money just to chase shows,” Kel B. explained, citing high production costs and negligible returns.
Piracy and Lack of Enforcement
Rampant piracy continues to undermine earnings. Despite the Copyright Act of 2011, enforcement remains weak, with no known prosecutions for infringement. Songs are frequently shared via WhatsApp, Bluetooth, or sold on flash drives without artist consent. “I released a single last year. By the next morning, motorbike riders were blasting it. I was happy they liked it, but not one Leone came to me,” Kel B. said.
No Royalties from Radio Play
Entertainment analyst Josephine Kallon highlighted the absence of a performing rights organization, which prevents artists from earning royalties from radio airplay. “Radio stations play songs every day, but artists don’t earn from it. Until Sierra Leone builds proper structures, upcoming talent will continue to be exploited,” she said.
Barriers to International Monetization
Access to platforms like Google AdSense and PayPal remains limited. With only 10% of Sierra Leoneans using formal banking services, most artists earn less than $10 a month from streams, despite thousands of views.
“I love music, but sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it,” said 21-year-old singer Fanta Amin. “Most of my friends are dropping out because they can’t keep wasting money in the studio. It breaks my heart.”
Digital Divide and Unrealized Potential
While stars like Drizilik have achieved international success, most artists lack the marketing budgets and digital infrastructure needed to compete globally. “Streams don’t just come because you uploaded your music,” said promoter Abdul Conteh. “Without promotion, you remain invisible.”
Hope on the Horizon
Recent financial reforms, such as the Salone Pement Swich (SaPS), aim to modernize domestic payments through interoperability between banks and mobile money platforms. However, SaPS does not yet support international transactions, leaving artists without access to global revenue streams.
Cris Ford, executive member of the Sierra Leone Music Industry, called for targeted solutions including partnerships with platforms like PayPal or Stripe; establishment of a performing rights organization, training in digital monetization; adoption of blockchain-based payments; and enforcement of copyright laws.
“Artists need legal support, reduced transaction fees, and simplified verification processes to thrive,” Ford said. He also pointed to initiatives like Entertainment Ambassador Kao Denero’s proposed streaming platform as a sign of progress, though still in early development.
As Sierra Leone’s young musicians continue to battle economic and structural hurdles, the dream of turning talent into financial stability remains distant. Without urgent reforms and strategic investment, the nation risks losing not just its artists—but its cultural voice