The One Nation Reggae Festival 2025 officially launched at Bintumani Hotel, immersing attendees in reggae rhythms, Caribbean vibes, and vibrant Sierra Leonean culture. The festival, an annual platform for unity, creativity, and cultural renaissance, celebrates enduring ties between Sierra Leone, Africa, and the Caribbean. The launch drew government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, international reggae stars including Sizzla Kalonji, Queen Ifrica, Jah Thunder, Lucan I, Danny Bless, and other Sierra Leonean arts, all uniting to showcase the power of music, heritage, and cultural exchange. The event marked the beginning of six days of performances, workshops, storytelling, and cultural showcases across multiple locations in the Western Area, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s growing profile as a leading cultural and tourism destination in Africa.
Mayor Yvonne Sawyer delivered a warm welcome, praising the returning Jamaican artists and highlighting reggae music as a vehicle for revolution, hope, and cultural expression. She expressed optimism that artists and guests would enjoy their time in Sierra Leone and encouraged them to return, emphasizing the festival’s role in fostering reconnection, reflection, and shared cultural experiences.
Charlie Haffner and the Freetown players followed with a captivating storytelling segment, exploring the history of slavery and Sierra Leone’s heritage through music, drama, and theatrical performance. Their act offered a poignant reflection on the struggles and triumphs of the nation’s past, creating an immersive cultural experience that resonated with the audience.
Minister Nabeela Tunis began by thanking President Julius Maada Bio for sharing his wisdom and guidance on charting the way forward for tourism and cultural development in Sierra Leone. She recognized the contributions of both international and local artists and announced that proceeds from the festival will support the creation of a Cultural Village, an initiative to preserve heritage, promote creativity, and strengthen Sierra Leone’s creative economy. She highlighted the allocation of lands for this initiative, demonstrating the government’s commitment to nurturing talent and building a lasting cultural legacy.
Minister Tunis further shared that the festival was conceived in August to reconnect with Sierra Leonean brothers and sisters from the Caribbean and to build bridges through reggae that speaks to every soul. She remembered Sierra Leonean icons, Shegbeh Pieh, Bai Bureh, and Madam Yoko for their contributions, summoning their spirits in a connected moment during the Year of Ecotourism. She also emphasized that weekly reggae practice sessions have been held to ensure unity, reflecting the journey of one nation, Sierra Leone, Africa, and the Caribbean, working together to move mountains and beyond. Minister Tunis concluded by expressing gratitude to the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP) and other partners for their vital support in making the festival a success.
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, delivering the keynote address on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, emphasized that Sierra Leone’s cultural initiatives embody national unity, freedom, and sustainable development. He highlighted the National Development Plan’s focus on diversifying tourism, creating sustainable jobs, and promoting cultural diplomacy.
The Honorary Consul, Sierra Leone to Jamaica, Prof. Rosalea Hamilton, SLEDP’s representative, Prince Giama, and other partners made valuable inputs, celebrating diverse roles in fostering cultural exchange, tourism growth, and youth empowerment. Closing the ceremony, Permanent Secretary Judith C. Jones conveyed profound gratitude to the President, Chief Minister, artists, partners, and the public, urging all Sierra Leoneans to carry forward the spirit of reggae, unity, peace, resilience, and love. The launch concluded with a vibrant fashion showcase that complemented the reggae ambiance, setting the stage for six days of immersive cultural celebration.
MTCA Communications
