AYV News, August 5, 2025
As part of its ongoing “2025 Year of Ecotourism” initiative, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with Olive’s Garden and Reggae Union Sierra Leone hosted a vibrant, unifying, and culturally rich event, dubbed One Nation Reggae Festival at the Family Kingdom Resort along the Aberdeen Beach Road in Freetown.
The festival served as a platform to promote national unity, celebrate Sierra Leone’s musical heritage, and strengthen the country’s growing tourism appeal. The event drew in a large, diverse audience of locals, diaspora, and international visitors, all of whom immersed themselves in the rhythm, message, and energy of reggae music.
Present at the festival were key figures in the Ministry, including the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, the Deputy Minister, Kadija AheneKamara, and the Permanent Secretary, Judith Jones, accompanied by staff of the Ministry and its sub-vented agencies.
In her brief remarks, Minister Tunis welcomed all for showing up at the event, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to creating inclusive and culturally enriching platforms that unify Sierra Leoneans while promoting the country’s unique touristic identity. She described reggae as a universal sound of peace and resilience, aligning perfectly with the goals of the “Year of Ecotourism”, 2025.
The night was alive with performances from the Reggae Union Sierra Leone, legendary musician Alonso, and several other renowned reggae artists who set the stage ablaze with powerful lyrics, soulful rhythms, and crowd-moving anthems. The musical performances were accompanied by servings of local and international cuisines and beverages, providing a full cultural experience.
Attendees expressed delight and appreciation for the atmosphere and messaging of the festival. Many described it as both “entertaining and inspiring,” highlighting the importance of music in fostering social cohesion and national pride. The presence of tourists and cultural enthusiasts further underscored the Ministry’s success in positioning Sierra Leone as a vibrant destination for events and cultural experiences.
The One Nation Reggae Festival marks another significant step by the Ministry in delivering on its mandate to broaden tourism beyond conventional attractions, by integrating arts, music, and cultural heritage into the national tourism framework.
