By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone – May 26, 2025 – Despite undeniable artistic talent, Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry continues to grapple with internal division, leadership struggles, and political interference, hampering progress and investment in the sector.
Fragmented Leadership and Endless Competition
The industry has seen an unprecedented rise in self-declared leadership, with multiple associations, unions, and even WhatsApp groups competing for dominance. “We believe in democracy, which is why we have elections every two weeks—sometimes on Facebook Live,” quipped one anonymous leader, highlighting the sector’s chaotic governance.
With no single guiding authority, entertainers often operate in isolation rather than collaboration. Achievement is frequently self-declared, with artists celebrating individual success rather than fostering industry-wide growth. “It’s a culture of me, myself, and my fanbase,” lamented spoken word artist Jeneba Kamara, recalling how she was once disinvited from a showcase for enthusiastically applauding another performer.
Education and Professionalism: Overlooked Priorities
While talent is abundant, education and professionalism remain undervalued. Few entertainers prioritize formal training, with institutions such as the Ballanta Academy of Music remaining underutilized. Many artists view skill development as a distraction from fame, opting instead to chase overseas validation and sponsorship deals.
Professional standards, including punctuality, structured management, and event organization, are frequently overlooked. Event planners often double as DJs, and artists cancel performances last-minute due to “bad vibes.” Industry investors have repeatedly pulled out of projects due to unpredictable planning and disputes among stakeholders.
Political Influence Deepens Industry Divisions
Entertainment in Sierra Leone is increasingly entangled in politics, with artists aligning themselves with political parties as if supporting rival football teams. According to industry insiders, even microphones have allegedly been modified to amplify voices based on political affiliation.
Sponsors have largely withdrawn from the sector, citing instability and disorder. A beverage company that once attempted to fund a nationwide tour backed out after a planning meeting turned into a heated rap battle, ultimately ending in a physical altercation.
Glimmers of Hope and Future Prospects
Despite these challenges, occasional moments of excellence shine through. Events like the Sierra Leone Music Awards and the Bubu Fusion Workshop demonstrate the industry’s potential when unity prevails. Emerging creatives are pushing for professionalism, collaboration, and structured industry growth.
Industry stakeholders argue that by prioritizing collective success over personal gain, Sierra Leone could position itself as a leading creative hub in West Africa. “There’s hope,” said DJ Turaisn, an advocate for industry reform. “But first, we need to admit that we can’t build an industry when every artist believes they are the industry.”
As the entertainment scene struggles to find cohesion, global observers continue to take notice, wondering whether Sierra Leone’s creative sector will trade chaos for progress in the years ahead.