Top 6 Best Musicians in Sierra Leone 2024 and Why

Post Views: 925

Last updated: 2025/01/06 at 4:05 AM

By Sallu Kamuskay Published January 6, 2025 9 Min Read

9 Min Read

Top 6 Best Musicians in Sierra Leone 2024 and Why

I have put together a list of top best musicians in Sierra Leone 2024 and why. The Sierra Leone entertainment industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the years, becoming a vibrant hub for music, movies, and other creative arts. Music, in particular, has seen tremendous expansion, with artists producing sounds and achieving recognition on both national and international stages. Historically, the Sierra Leone music industry has faced challenges, including limited infrastructure and resources. However, the talents and commitment of its artists have propelled the industry forward, making it one of the most dynamic sectors in the country today.

Contents

1. Boii (Boimanya M.F Koroma)Headline Success for Boii 2. Jelly Bee (Betty Lamboi)Headline Success for Jelly Bee 3. Speedo’o (Sahr Kaimachiande)Headline Success for Speedo’o 4. Drizilik (Benjamin Menelik George)Headline Success for Drizilik 5. Incredible JJ (James Junior Kaisama)Headline Success for Incredibe JJ 6. Emmerson (Emmerson Amidu Bockarie)Headline Success for Emmerson About the Author

Below is a carefully curated list of six outstanding musicians who have made strides in the Sierra Leone music scene in 2024. This selection is based on live performances, chart-topping songs, and their impact within and beyond the country. The list is presented in no particular order.

1. Boii (Boimanya M.F Koroma)

Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Boimanya M.F Koroma, known professionally as Boii, is a Sierra Leonean singer and songwriter signed under the Cribs International record label. Her music is a delightful blend of Afrobeats, R&B, Pop, and other genres. Boii has achieved notable success in the industry, thanks to her unique sound and exceptional talent.

Headline Success for Boii

Afrobeats and R&B star Boii has been named Spotify’s most-streamed Sierra Leonean Female artist for 2024 with 106k listeners and 1.78M streams, securing the title for the first time after signing with Cribs International record label. Boii’s single Fell Alright hits over one million views in a month in 2024. Boii breaks record in Nigeria, Africa’s biggest music industry in 2024 with a released of Feel Alright, one of the best music video worth over 20,000 dollars.

Signed to Cribs International, Boii has released four singles that showcase her creativity and versatility. Her breakthrough single, “Credit Alert,” released on March 10, 2023, propelled her into the limelight, blending authentic African rhythms with smooth R&B and Amapiano vibes. Her contributions to the music industry have earned her a growing fanbase and several accolades.

2. Jelly Bee (Betty Lamboi)

Betty Lamboi, known by her stage name Jelly Bee, is a Sierra Leonean Afrobeats singer, songwriter, and rapper born on June 16, 1998, in Bo. Jelly Bee’s music journey began in junior secondary school, and by 2016, she had recorded her first song, earning the title of “South Best Female Rapper” along with an award.

Jelly Bee’s rise to fame came with the release of her debut single, “1 Gboya,” produced by Masterkraft in 2023 under the A-Bangz Originals record label. This track gained recognition across Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and beyond. Her latest hit, “High Tension,” has been a massive success, earning a nomination for “Trending Song on TikTok” at the Sierra Leone TikTok Awards.

Jelly Bee

Headline Success for Jelly Bee

Jelly Bee’s single High Tension, released in 2024, became one of the most trending songs both nationally and internationally, capturing the attention of popular bloggers, TikTokers, and influencers. She also won the award for Most Trending Song of the Year for High Tension. Jelly Bee breaks record in Nigeria, Africa’s biggest music industry in 2024 with a released of I Gboya, one of the best music video in Sierra Leone and beyond.

3. Speedo’o (Sahr Kaimachiande)

Sahr Kaimachiande, popularly known as Speedo’o, is one of Sierra Leone’s fastest rappers, often compared to Ghanaian rap icon Sarkodie. Speedo’o hails from Kono District and began his music career at the age of 17 as part of the musical group “Easy Life” in 2007.

After moving between Sierra Leone and Liberia to pursue education and music, Speedo’o eventually caught the attention of Black Entertainment’s CEO, TanTan B, in 2013. His unique rap style earned him the nickname “Speedo’o,” reflecting his rapid lyrical delivery. Speedo’o’s journey from local talent to national star showcases his dedication to the craft.

Headline Success for Speedo’o

Speedo’s song Woke Dae Yah released in 2024 reachers over 100,000 views on Youtube. Speedo’o performed at several shows.

4. Drizilik (Benjamin Menelik George)

Benjamin Menelik George, better known as Drizilik, is an award-winning Sierra Leonean artist celebrated for his innovative blend of hip-hop and Afrobeats. Widely regarded as the king of new school music in Sierra Leone, Drizilik has been a consistent figure in the industry for over three years.

In 2024, Drizilik’s career reached new heights with his appearance at the BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher, where he proudly represented Sierra Leone on a global stage. His ability to produce thought-provoking and danceable music has cemented his status as a leading figure in the country’s entertainment scene.

Headline Success for Drizilik

Drizilik in 2024 host the Drizilik Live in London show and hosted several shows in the USA and Sierra Leone.

5. Incredible JJ (James Junior Kaisama)

James Junior Kaisama, known as Incredible JJ, is a rising star from Kenema, Eastern Sierra Leone. With a powerful voice and captivating stage presence, JJ has quickly become a household name. His debut single, “Jonjomi”—which means “vibe” in a local dialect—is an Afrobeat anthem that has gained widespread popularity.

Incredible JJ’s freestyle performances and unique sound have positioned him as a promising talent, not just in Sierra Leone but internationally. His ambition to take Sierra Leonean music to global stages continues to inspire his rapidly growing fanbase.

Incredible JJ Announces Release Date for Two Hot Singles — Incredible JJ

Headline Success for Incredibe JJ

Incredible JJ rose to fame in 2024 in Sierra Leone’s music industry as one of the fastest-rising stars. He had the opportunity to perform at several shows, including EcoFest, UniFest, and others.

6. Emmerson (Emmerson Amidu Bockarie)

Emmerson Amidu Bockarie, professionally known as Emmerson, is a veteran in the Sierra Leone music industry. Renowned for his politically charged songs, Emmerson uses music as a platform to address social issues, including corruption and governance. Singing in both Krio and English, his work resonates deeply with Sierra Leoneans.

Over the years, Emmerson’s Afropop tracks have remained timeless, and he continues to be a voice for the voiceless. His contributions to the industry have not only entertained but also educated and inspired positive change in society.

Headline Success for Emmerson

Emmerson, as always, remains one of the best musicians in Sierra Leone. In 2024, he had the opportunity to collaborate with Davido, releasing one of the best music videos of the year, titled Strawberry.

About the Author

Sallu Kamuskay is a Sierra Leonean Freelance Journalist, Communication Strategist, Fixer, Blogger, Youth Organiser, Event Manager, Spokesperson, Public Relations Expert and founder of Salone Messenger. Sallu Kamuskay’s work has been regularly referenced and published by national and international media and public policy institutions including Equal Times, MDPI, AYV News, Concord Times, Independent Observer, The Calabash Newspaper, The Organizer.net, Global Times, SwitSalone, Sierra Loaded, Al-Jazeera, Isssuu, The Sierra Leone Telegraph, National Institute of Health, Research Gate among others.

Sallu’s movement has connections with Media Experts, Media Organizations, Companies, Web Developers and Professionals across the world. Sallu Kamuskay’s movement primarily involves in negotiating deals and managing social media for Professionals, Influencers, Politicians, Media Houses, Organizations and Companies. He focuses on protecting, promoting, and defending them in the face of cyber-bullying.

TAGGED: 2024 best musician in Sierra Leone, best musician, best musician Sierra Leone, BOii, Drizilik, Emmerson, Jelly Bee, Speedo'o

Share this Article

By Sallu Kamuskay

Follow:

Sallu Kamuskay is a Sierra Leonean communication strategist, fixer, blogger, youth organiser, event manager, spokesperson, and public relations expert. His work has been regularly referenced and published by national and international media and public policy institutions. Sallu Kamuskay was a child during the brutal war in Sierra Leone. Growing up in the midst of conflict, Sallu witnessed unimaginable abuse of children and gross violations of human rights. The horrors he witnessed during the Civil War had a terrible impact on him at a very tender age. But despite the shock of the war, Sallu never lost hope. He started on a journey of recovery, studying, and working for a better future. At age 15, Sallu entered into the world of activism and advocacy. Sallu Kamuskay was the Vice President of the Young Leaders Organisation, a member of the National Youth Council. The Young Leaders is one of the oldest youth-led organisations in West Africa. The organisation was formed by a group of young leaders, and launched by the then Head of State/President of Sierra Leone. Sallu was part of the group of young leaders who participated in and contributed to the establishment of the National Youth Council. The Commonwealth supported the training for trainers programme with line ministries and youth stakeholders in which key, representatives of youth council, student union and civil society/private sector youth platforms were engaged and empowered in the effective engagement and inclusion of youth. Sallu is co-founder and Executive Director of the Salone Messenger, a global multimedia and public relations firm based In Sierra Leone. Sallu has worked on various developmental and policy issues such as Poverty, Climate Change, Human rights, Child Rights, Education, Health, Gender Equality, Civic Engagement, Government policies, Information Communication Technology for Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, and has also been contributing to various global events and advocacy campaigns. Sallu Kamuskay is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Salone Messenger, a global Multimedia and Public Relations Firm based in Sierra Leone with the latest news and information, on top stories, business, politics, entertainment, and more. Sallu is working with a leading technology company in Africa, Techfrica, that has recently developed and launched a social media, messaging Supfrica with over 150,000 downloads on the Google play store in less than 4 days. He is the Adviser and Media coordinator for the App to give people the platform to connect and communicate to help shape their future with a very fast internet that allows users that live in deprived and hard-to-reach areas with poor internet facility to be able to communicate as it allows and stronger on 2 and 3 G network reception. Sallu has over 9 years of experience in youth engagement, inclusion, and coordination both at local and global levels, giving voice to young people and engaging young people to build a better world. He has served as coordinator for the Wave Alliance which brought together youth-led organisations who attended an international training in South Africa organized by the International Organization – Waves for Change. Sallu is working with the MLT, Waves For Change, and the Government to develop safe spaces for young people, with a view to contributing to the overall development goals of young people including health, as well as to community rebuilding. Sallu is currently the Programme Director for the Wave Alliance, which is a coalition of youth-led and community-based organisations that have successfully introduced evidence-based Surf Therapy programs to young people in communities, with a focus on mental health, peace building and sustainable development. Sallu is currently the focal point and face of Africa’s Faces Social media platform which is a global Social media platform that brings together people from across the world to share their moments, connect, share videos, and interact with friends giving more preference to excluded continents like Africa. Sallu Kamuskay has devoted his time to working for or contributing to a number of national and international organizations and companies, including the Techfrica Technology Company, United Nations, ECOWAS, European Union, Commonwealth Africa Initiatives. This work has led him to travel to a number of countries to contribute to global youth platforms. Sallu is the lead Coordinator for Peace Tour programme, an initiative supported by the European Union, Africa Union, ECOWAS focusing on uniting and empowering young people and local communities. Over the years, Sallu Kamuskay has been using his Techno phone to be able to tell stories, the phone he used to tell the story of Gbessay during Ebola who was admitted at one of the Ebola treatment centers after rumors that she had Ebola when the actual sickness was ulcer, she was almost abandoned at the treatment canter with no medication provided to her. She could have died. Sallu told the story via social media and was able to secure funding from the United Sierra Leone to buy her medication and advocated for her. She was later discharged and taken home, He did the same to a patient that died and was abandoned in the street, Sallu Kamuskay used his phone and shared the message across, the corps was later taken and buried. It could have been more disaster without his voice. The story of late America Stress 3-year-old daughter. The hero’s daughter was abandon after his father's death. He shared her sad story and was able to get a sister who has taken the child as her own and is currently providing her with educational support. The article of America Stress can be read on the link below http://ayvnewspaper.com/index.php/k2-categories/item/7350-america-stress-a-hero-to-recognize. Sallu Kamuskay feels the stories of Gbessay, America stress and that of many others need to be told. The media house we have cannot better tell these stories, they are better reporters than telling human interest stories. He created the Salone Messenger platform and brought together passionate storytellers to be able to tell these compelling stories.