Sierra Leonean rising star Keltony has achieved a remarkable feat — his debut single Come Chop, released under Nigerian-owned, Sierra Leone-based record label Cribs International, has crossed the 1 million views mark on YouTube. The milestone comes just weeks after the song’s official release on January 23, 2026, cementing Keltony’s place as one of the most exciting new voices to emerge from the West African music scene.
The achievement is particularly significant as Come Chop is Keltony’s first official single since signing with Cribs International — making it not just a commercial success, but a powerful statement of intent from both the artist and the label.
From Talent Search Winner to YouTube Millionaire
Keltony’s journey to this milestone is one of the most compelling stories in Sierra Leone’s music industry in recent years. Born Francis Reffel, the Bo City singer and songwriter rose to national prominence after winning the Cribs International Talent Search 2025 — a nationwide competition that attracted over 200 unsigned artists from across Sierra Leone. The competition, spearheaded by Cribs International CEO Sho Cole, was designed to discover and elevate the country’s next generation of music stars, offering not just prize money but also mentorship, vocal training, and direct exposure to industry professionals.
Keltony claimed the top spot at the grand finale held at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown, earning a cash prize of NLe300,000 alongside a full record deal with Cribs International. In July 2025, he formally signed official documents at the Cribs International office in Freetown, confirming his new chapter under the label. CEO Sho Cole was unambiguous about what he saw: “A new star has been born,” he declared at the time, adding that “the world is about to hear him loud and clear.”
Prior to the talent competition, Keltony had already built a reputation in Sierra Leone’s music circles, having collaborated with some of the country’s most recognized artists, including Amb Kao, Drizilik, and Markmuday.
About the Song: A Feel-Good Anthem Built for the World
Come Chop is a lively Afrobeats record that celebrates enjoyment, confidence, romance, and the so-called “soft life.” Produced by legendary Nigerian hitmaker MasterKraft — whose credits span collaborations with top African artists and whose production fingerprints are all over some of the continent’s biggest records — the song blends heavy Afrobeat rhythms with smooth melodies while Keltony delivers confident, stylish vocals throughout.
Thematically, the song is an invitation — a call to loved ones to join at the table, to celebrate, enjoy, and experience the better side of life. It is full of fun, romance, and an exuberant spirit of abundance. Playful lines and a catchy, memorable chorus give the track broad appeal, making it equally at home in clubs, on playlists, and on social media feeds.
The production by MasterKraft, who also served as a judge during the Cribs International Talent Search, adds significant weight to the project. His involvement signals the label’s ambition to produce music that doesn’t just succeed locally but competes on a continental and global level.
A TikTok Sensation Before It Even Dropped
Even before the official release, Come Chop was generating significant buzz online. A snippet of the song released ahead of launch recorded extraordinary engagement on TikTok, with the audio being used in more than 1,000 videos within a very short period. Content creators and influencers from Nigeria and other countries across Africa rapidly adopted the sound, helping it trend on the platform ahead of the full release. At the time of the single’s drop, the sound was among the most trending on TikTok — a remarkable achievement for a debut artist.
Industry watchers noted that the early TikTok momentum was a key factor in building mass anticipation for the full track, and the song’s YouTube views are a direct reflection of the groundwork laid by that viral wave.
What the Milestone Means
Reaching 1 million YouTube views is a significant benchmark in the African music industry — one that represents genuine crossover potential and signals to regional platforms, playlists, and promoters that an artist has built a real audience. For Keltony, it is an especially powerful signal given that this is his very first official release under a major label deal.
For Cribs International — a multimedia and entertainment company that has been steadily building a roster of Sierra Leonean talent with continental ambitions — the milestone further validates its model of combining structured talent discovery with world-class production. The label has previously achieved similar success with artist Boii, whose single Feel Alright hit one million views in under a month and who was named Spotify’s most-streamed Sierra Leonean female artist for 2024.
Keltony thanked fans for the support received so far and said the response has motivated him to work harder on his future projects. His team has confirmed that more promotional activities are expected in the coming weeks to continue pushing the song’s momentum.
A Growing Movement
The success of Come Chop adds to a growing list of Sierra Leonean songs gaining traction on international digital platforms. As local artists increasingly harness social media and streaming services to reach global audiences, Keltony’s 1 million milestone is more than a personal achievement — it is a statement about where Sierra Leonean music is headed.
With the backing of Cribs International, the production pedigree of MasterKraft, and an undeniable ear for infectious music, Keltony appears poised for much more. If Come Chop is the opening chapter, the music world is watching closely to see what comes next.
Come Chop is available now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms.
