AYV News, August 21, 2025
The Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh has held a roundtable with some of Sierra Leone’s finest entertainers, including the Entertainment Ambassador Kao Denero, Colabo, Kracktwist, Artical Foyoh, Mohamed B. Bayoh (Eco) who also serves as the Entertainment Youth Coordinator, and several others.
Though many were invited, some missed the vibe, but the energy in the room was nothing short of electrifying.
The agenda was clear and youthful; how to push Sierra Leonean music beyond borders. Minister Sannoh revealed that he has already engaged the Managing Director of Trace, one of the biggest music platforms in the world, paving the way for Sierra Leonean music videos to start playing on the channel.
“This is not just about music, it’s about branding Sierra Leone to the world through the talent of our young people,” the Minister emphasized. “Our beats, our voices, our creativity deserve global recognition. Trace is only the beginning, we’re opening the stage for Sierra Leone to shine.”
The artists welcomed the news with open arms, describing it as a game-changer for the industry. Kao Denero noted, “For too long, we’ve been hustling to get our music noticed internationally. This is the kind of bold move we’ve been waiting for. If Trace opens the door, Sierra Leone music will surely take center stage.” Prezo Colabo added with his usual energy, “This is history in the making! The government is finally giving the industry the push it needs. We as artists must now step up our game.”
The Minister also used the meeting to discuss two upcoming flagship youth events: the Mano River Union Youth Conekt2025, to be hosted in Sierra Leone in October, with special recognition for artists, and the first-ever Youth Festival in Sierra Leone, in December. According to him, the festival will not only showcase music, arts, and culture but also serve a higher purpose, generating income to support programs for young people struggling with drugs.
“Entertainment is not just about fun,” the Minister said. “It’s also a tool for healing, empowerment, and nation-building. Through this Youth Festival, we’ll raise funds to help our brothers and sisters who are trapped in drugs find a new life.”
The meeting ended with laughter and a shared commitment from both the Ministry and the artists to keep pushing Sierra Leone’s entertainment scene to new heights.
