Front page commentary by Marius Musa Kargbo
Since its inception, Housemates Salone has grown to become one of the most influential and talked-about reality TV shows in Sierra Leone. What started as a bold experiment in 2019 has evolved into a powerful cultural force that blends entertainment, youth empowerment, and national unity. Created with the vision of showcasing young Sierra Leonean talents, the show has done more than just entertain; it has inspired, uplifted, and transformed lives across the country and beyond.
The format of the show is as engaging as it is intense. A diverse group of young men and women are brought together under one roof to live, compete, and grow. Over several weeks, they participate in various tasks, games, and challenges designed to test their creativity, resilience, and teamwork. With the promise of a grand cash prize, endorsement deals, and national fame, each contestant enters the house with dreams that often transcend the competition itself. Many seek transformation, exposure, and a shot at redefining their futures.
Organised by Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire in collaboration with Africell, the show has built an impressive reputation over the years. Its transparent voting system, high production quality, and fair approach to competition have earned the trust of fans and corporate sponsors alike. Millions of viewers—both in Sierra Leone and the diaspora tune in daily to follow the drama, friendships, rivalries, and growth that unfold within the house.
What makes Housemates Salone truly unique is its unwavering focus on young people and personal development. It is not just a game; it’s a journey. Contestants often emerge from the house with new skills, brand partnerships, media presence, and in many cases, career-defining opportunities. The show equips them with leadership experience, business acumen, and a sense of social responsibility. It challenges them to not only become better competitors but better citizensrole models who can spark change and influence lives in their communities.
Each season of the show is themed to reflect not just entertainment value, but the evolving social conversations and aspirations of the nation. The first season, held in 2019, was titled “Last Standing Couple,” a theme that explored the dynamics of relationships, trust, and emotional resilience in a high-pressure environment. Season 2, which aired in 2020 during the height of the global pandemic, embraced the theme “Quarantine Drama.” It mirrored the isolation and challenges of the time while finding new ways to keep the audience engaged and inspired.
Season 3, dubbed “The Game Get Yagba,” pushed the bar even higher. It was about hustle, grit, and survival, testing contestants’ mental and emotional strength in the face of tough tasks and fierce competition. This theme resonated deeply with the youth, many of whom could relate to the spirit of ‘yagba’ the relentless struggle to succeed against all odds. Now, as the show prepares to commence its highly anticipated fourth season, the theme “Clean Game” sets the tone for a fresh direction. This new chapter promises fairness, integrity, and authentic competition. It challenges housemates to rise through honesty, skill, and effort, reminding viewers that real success comes from playing the game right.
Beyond the themes and the excitement, the show’s greatest achievement lies in its connection with the public. Housemates Salone has become a mirror of Sierra Leonean society, reflecting both its struggles and its triumphs. Through public voting, the audience plays an active role in the fate of the contestants. This deep level of engagement fosters a sense of community, pride, and shared experience. It is reality TV with a purpose, a show that entertains while building character, confidence, and hope.
Housemates Salone is more than just a television show; it is a movement. A movement that continues to redefine what is possible for young people in Sierra Leone. A movement that uses media as a tool for transformation, reminding an entire generation that their stories, talents, and dreams matter. And as Season 4 approaches, with its message of a Clean Game, it promises to once again capture the hearts of viewers and raise the standard for reality television in the country.
