By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Salone Awards of Excellence USA, an organization dedicated to celebrating achievement and preserving the legacy of Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, has honored eleven outstanding Sierra Leoneans from across the United States for their exceptional contributions to cultural preservation and entertainment.
The Award also honored leadership, humanitarian service, entrepreneurship and community development during this Third Annual Salone Awards of Excellence.
The colorful ceremony was held earlier this month at the Tracy Civic Center, 333 Civic Center Plaza, Tracy, California.
Held under the theme ‘Wan Salone,’ the annual event brought together distinguished guests, community leaders, entrepreneurs, entertainers, professionals and supporters from across the United States to celebrate Sierra Leoneans whose achievements continue to strengthen communities and promote national pride throughout the diaspora.
According to the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organization, James Barack Kamara, a Theatre Technology and Arts student at Foothill College, California, the awards were established to recognize Sierra Leoneans whose dedication, integrity and selfless service continue to inspire others while strengthening communities around the world. “The organization was created to celebrate Sierra Leoneans whose dedication and selfless service continue to make meaningful contributions to our communities. Every award presented represents a story of sacrifice, commitment and excellence that deserves to be celebrated and remembered,” Kamara said.
Among the evening’s biggest winners was Mrs. Kadijatu Rahman Kabba, who received both the Honorary Woman of the Year Award and the People’s Choice Award. Organizers recognized her outstanding humanitarian work, exemplary community leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting Sierra Leoneans in the United States and internationally. They noted that since the inception of the awards, Mrs. Kabba has consistently provided guidance, encouragement and financial assistance while promoting unity within the Sierra Leonean community.
Mr. Joseph Sahr Musa received the Ultimate Icon and Global Impact Award in recognition of his lifelong dedication to preserving Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage and promoting community development. Organizers described him as an influential leader whose humility, vision and commitment to service have earned him widespread admiration among Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad.
Entertainment personality Gerald S. Samah Jr., popularly known as Deejay Sen, received the Legendary DJ in Entertainment Award for his remarkable contribution to Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry and his continued efforts to empower young people through music, mentorship and community engagement.
An emotional moment during the ceremony came with the posthumous recognition of the late Gerald Senesie Samah Sr. (DJ Samah), who received the Lifetime Achievement Award (Male) for his immense contribution to entertainment and community service. Accepting the award on behalf of his late father, Deejay Sen paid tribute to his father’s enduring legacy, describing him as a pioneer whose passion continues to inspire future generations.
The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Mrs. Prosper Euphemia Davies, who was posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award (Female). Organizers described her as a resilient community leader and devoted family woman whose legacy of compassion, service and leadership continues to inspire Sierra Leoneans worldwide.
Scholar, entertainer and Chief Executive Officer of the Western Striker Community Charity Organisation, Abdulkarim Dumbuya, popularly known as AKD The Great, received the Most Excellent Personality of the Year Award for successfully combining academic excellence, entertainment and humanitarian service to positively impact vulnerable communities.
Entertainment executive Dalo Smok, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Kartel, received the Ultimate Icon/Entertainment Manager of the Year Award for promoting Sierra Leonean music and artists in the United States, while Sierra Leone’s Peace Ambassador, Shady Baby, was honored with the Legendary Musician of the Year Award for advancing peace, unity and national cohesion through music.
Community leader Joseph Mustapha was recognized for his longstanding contribution to community development and commitment to improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans locally and internationally. The Best Humanitarian of the Year Award went to Mohamed Tarawali, popularly known as Shogan, for his charitable service to vulnerable people, while veteran master of ceremonies Mike Anthony received the Best MC/Show Presenter of the Year Award for his professionalism and contribution to entertainment.
As the ceremony concluded, recipients expressed gratitude to the organizers and pledged to continue serving humanity while promoting the positive image of Sierra Leone across the diaspora for generations to come.