The One Nation Reggae Festival has not only showcased Sierra Leone’s vibrant culture but also generated substantial proceeds that will be strategically invested to support the creative industry, aid hurricane relief and contribute to national revenue.
According to the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabella Tunis, “the One Nation Reggae Festival has created lasting impact for both culture and economy.”
The One Nation Reggae Festival, conceptualized to fuse Sierra Leonean and Caribbean cultures, celebrates the country’s historical role in global emancipation while promoting local artistic talent. The festival featured six days of cultural exchange, live performances, workshops, and community engagement, attracting international artists and boosting Sierra Leone’s reputation as a hub for world-class events.
Permanent Secretary Judith Jones welcomed attendees, highlighting the festival’s milestone status in the country’s cultural calendar. Francis Momoh, Research Officer at the MRC and Festival Coordinator, detailed the historical roots and conceptual framework of the festival, emphasizing its role in creating a lasting cultural legacy.
The Director of Culture, Creativity and Innovation, Foday Jalloh provided a brief recap of the six-day cultural fusion, noting its impact on local communities and its role in strengthening Sierra Leone’s cultural ties with the Caribbean. He also emphasized that the energy, creativity, and professionalism displayed during the festival have set a benchmark for future editions and positioned Sierra Leone as a destination for world-class cultural events.
In their presentation, Baidawa Sesay and the founder of Inkee Media, Ishmeal Bull outlined the production and branding process. Baidawa explained the selection of Sierra Leonean performers, the creation of the unique “Troup Beat” using traditional instruments, and the festival’s aim to position Sierra Leone as the reggae capital of Africa. Inkee Media Founder, Ishmeal Bull highlighted the significance of branding, noting that the festival logo, proudly featuring the Jamaican flag, has gained international recognition.
In her keynote address, Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, partners, and all stakeholders who contributed to the festival’s success.
She commended His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio for providing the enabling platform to realize the festival’s vision, noting that it aligns with his agenda of driving creativity, innovation, and sustainable cultural and economic transformation. She underscored that the event demonstrates what can be achieved when government, private sector, and community collaborate, highlighting Sierra Leone’s potential to host high-profile international events.
The Minister further praised the professionalism of Sierra Leonean artists, noting that early band rehearsals enhanced their performance quality, and emphasized the unrestricted engagement between local and international artists as a symbol of the country’s openness, peace, and transformative potential.
She also elaborated on the financial outcomes and the long-term vision of the festival disclosing that 230,130 New Leones was contributed to the National Revenue Authority, 767,100 New Leones allocated for the creation of a Creative Village to nurture local talents and USD 10,000 donated for Hurricane Melissa relief in Jamaica.
She stressed that these proceeds are not just numbers but investments in Sierra Leone’s creative industry, economic growth, and cultural legacy, adding that government’s support, though partial, underscores its commitment to building a private-sector-driven tourism and creative sector.
The overarching goal of the year-long Tourism for All Campaign is to instil a sense of national pride and widespread participation in visiting and benefitting from Sierra Leone’s wealth of natural and cultural heritage assets.
Recognizing this reality, the Ministry of Tourism & Cultural Affairs (MTCA) and National Tourist Board (NTB) have launched a year-long Tourism Campaign for 2026 that includes a wide range of events, initiatives, and programs aimed at showcasing Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage attractions and natural wonders and making it possible for everyone to visit and benefit from them.
The prioritization of the tourism sector as a key enabler in the 2024 – 2030 National Development Agenda has escalated the pressure for the sector to deliver. Tailoring tourism into the BIG FIVE: Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, youth employment scheme, revamping the public service architecture and technical and infrastructure is a pathway to achieve sustainable and radical socio-economic transformation.
The potential for the tourism sector in Sierra Leone to become a fundamental pillar of the country’s transformation and economic prosperity is huge. Sierra Leone is now being recognized as one of the “World’s Greatest Places to Visit” in the global marketplace. It is now high time for Sierra Leoneans to gain an understanding of the value of tourism and the tangible benefits they can derive from the sector. The Tourism for All Campaign is centred on making it possible for all Sierra Leoneans to benefit from tourism.
