By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Sierra Leone — September 2025: Following the seismic impact of his hit single ‘Prove Dem Wrong’, Sierra Leonean-American artist Salone Cool J has returned with a powerful new collaboration titled Success, featuring UK-based Sierra Leonean producer and artist Innocent. The track, released under the banner of Black Conscious Movement and Money Making Machine, is already resonating with audiences across Sierra Leone and the diaspora as a bold anthem of perseverance, ambition, and victory.
Produced by Thy Young and mixed and mastered by Master Rell, Success delivers a vibrant soundscape that blends Afrobeat, hip-hop, and traditional African rhythms. The song’s infectious energy and socially conscious lyrics reflect the journey of overcoming adversity and achieving personal milestones—from academic success and career advancement to international opportunities and personal growth.
“I believe in hard work and dedication… I would’ve given up a long time ago, but I told myself, ‘No, just try to get one or two hits,’” said Salone Cool J, reflecting on his journey from war-torn Sierra Leone to the U.S. in 2000.
Salone Cool J, born Shitta T. Deen, is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor who founded Black Conscious Movement in 2010. His previous hits include Man of the Year (2021, ft. Pitwizzy) and Prove Dem Wrong (2020, ft. Innocent), which cemented his reputation for socially driven music.
His collaborator, Prince Kuti George, popularly known as Innocent, began his career in 1999 with Igwe Society and later founded Money Making Machine, managing talents like Sara D Great. Innocent’s hit Pray For Me (2021) garnered over 1 million views on YouTube, showcasing his influence in Sierra Leone’s global music scene.
Success is more than a song—it’s a motivational call to action. Salone Cool J dedicates the track to individuals striving for progress, whether climbing the corporate ladder, graduating, or celebrating hard-earned victories. The collaboration merges Black Conscious Movement’s focus on empowerment and cultural pride with Money Making Machine’s entrepreneurial spirit, creating a track that pulses with optimism and ambition.
This release reinforces Sierra Leone’s vibrant music scene and highlights the power of music as a tool for social change and personal inspiration.