By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Sierra Leone – October 22, 2025: The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has announced the launch of the One Nation Reggae Festival, a six-day celebration of music, heritage, and unity, scheduled to take place from October 25 to 30, 2025. The announcement was made by Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis during a press briefing held at the ministry’s headquarters in Freetown.
The festival, which aims to elevate Sierra Leone’s cultural profile on the global stage, will feature performances by renowned Jamaican reggae icons including Sizzla Kalonji and Christopher Martin. Other international acts include Jah Thunder (Jamaica), Didier Awadi (Senegal), and Arkane, alongside a vibrant lineup of Sierra Leonean artists such as Star Zee, Afrimaroon, Liana, Ms Julie, and RAS Mo.
“This festival will bridge the cultural chasms between Africa and the Caribbean, inviting diaspora communities to come home and partake in a vibrant tapestry of music, heritage, and investment opportunities,” Minister Tunis stated. She emphasized the event’s role in cultural reclamation and economic empowerment, calling it a reaffirmation of Sierra Leone’s place on the global cultural map.
The festival will also spotlight emerging local talents, with dedicated platforms like the Reggae Queens stage for female artists and performances by live musicians and DJs including Rasta Unity, Zare Demus, and Jessie I from Babylon Burning PBS.
Beyond music, the One Nation Reggae Festival will offer a rich cultural experience. Highlights include the Freedom Tour on October 26, which will take participants to historic sites such as Fourah Bay College and national museums. Additional activities will include heritage tours, cultural exchanges, and beachside performances at Sugar Land Beach and The Family Kingdom Resort.
Minister Tunis, who was recently named Africa’s Best Minister of Tourism at the AKWAABA 2025 awards in Lagos, Nigeria, has been instrumental in revitalizing Sierra Leone’s tourism sector. Her leadership has seen the launch of initiatives like the Year of Ecotourism 2025, drawing international attention to the country’s natural and cultural assets.
“This is not just about international stars,” she said. “It’s about our people—the young guitarist from Bo, the reggae singer from Makeni, the drummer from Freetown. It is their stage, their time, and their voice.”
The festival comes at a time when Sierra Leone continues to recover from past challenges, including the civil war and the Ebola outbreak. It is envisioned as a symbol of resilience and renewal, using music as a tool to foster unity and pride.
As Bob Marley once sang, “One love, one heart, let’s get together and feel alright”—a message Sierra Leone is ready to embrace through the One Nation Reggae Festival.