By Marian Magdalene Bangura, Strategic Communications Unit – MoICE
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, is set to host the One Nation Reggae Festival, a six-day cultural and musical event designed to celebrate Sierra Leone’s shared heritage with the Caribbean and strengthen the country’s growing reputation as a vibrant tourism destination.
Speaking at the government’s weekly press conference at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday 13th November, 2025, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Tunis, said the festival forms part of the government’s strategic efforts to drive international traffic into Sierra Leone through arts, culture, and entertainment.
“His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, continues to inspire us to think outside the box and find creative ways to position Sierra Leone as a global destination,”
she said.
“The One Nation Reggae Festival is one of those innovative platforms through which we are promoting unity, love, and resilience — values that reggae music represents.”
Madam Tunis explained that the festival is an extension of the Ministry’s ongoing “Tourism for All” and “Year of Ecotourism” campaigns — initiatives aimed at connecting culture, conservation, and community while showcasing Sierra Leone’s creative industries.
She noted that reggae music holds special significance as it is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, celebrated globally for its ability to promote peace, spirituality, and unity.
“Reggae is not just music; it’s a symbol of global resilience and shared identity,”
Madam Tunis said.
“Sierra Leone and the Caribbean — especially Jamaica — share deep cultural ties reflected in our language, food, and mannerisms. This festival is about celebrating that bond.”
The One Nation Reggae Festival will run from November 25 to 30, 2025, and will feature a diverse lineup of events across Freetown and Bunce Island.
Day 1 (Nov 25) – Official Launch at Bintumani Hotel:
The festival will be officially launched in the presence of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, cabinet ministers, and international guests. The opening ceremony will celebrate Sierra Leone’s shared heritage with the Caribbean through performances, cultural displays, and tributes to national heroes.
Day 2 (Nov 26) – Freedom Heritage Tour:
Participants will embark on a historical tour of Freetown’s landmarks — including the Peace Museum, Cotton Tree, St. John’s Maroon Church, King’s Yard Gate, and Old Wharf Steps — to reflect on Sierra Leone’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and the nation’s legacy of freedom and resilience.
Day 3 (Nov 27) – Creative Clinic:
A day dedicated to developing a unique “Sierra Leone Sound” — blending traditional instruments with reggae rhythms. Local and international artists will collaborate to produce an authentic musical identity rooted in Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage.
Day 4 (Nov 28) – Grand Reggae Concert at Radisson Blu:
This will be the festival’s biggest event, featuring over ten international reggae artists performing alongside Sierra Leonean musicians. Headliners include Sizzla Kalonji, Christopher Martin, Queen IAfrika, Didier Awadi (Senegal), Jah Thunder, Danny Bless (Trinidad and Tobago), Lukie D, Arcane, DJ SKS, Makeda, Earth Warrior, and Kourtney, among others.
They will share the stage with prominent Sierra Leonean artists from the Reggae Union — including Afri Maroons, Ras Keita, Rasmo, Al Brine, Block Jones, Stuntman, and Mr. Saar — as well as guest performers from other musical genres.
Day 5 (Nov 29) – Reggae Freestyle Day in the East:
An open-mic showcase at Jusa’s, East End Freetown, featuring over 60 emerging artists from across the country, including performers from Bo, Makeni, and Kenema. The day aims to give upcoming artists exposure and encourage cultural exchange through music.
Day 6 (Nov 30) – All-White Heritage Celebration on Bunce Island:
The festival will conclude with a symbolic heritage voyage to Bunce Island, highlighting its historic role in the transatlantic slave trade.
The closing ceremony will feature an all-white cultural celebration to honor ancestral connections and promote heritage tourism in the Southern Region.
Minister Tunis emphasized that the One Nation Reggae Festival is more than just an entertainment event — it is a strategic tourism and investment platform designed to create economic opportunities for local creatives and communities.
“Fifty percent of the proceeds from ticket sales will go directly toward building our Creative Village — a new cultural space dedicated to training and empowering young talents in the creative and cultural industries,” she announced.
The Minister concluded by encouraging both Sierra Leoneans and international visitors to participate in the festival and support the country’s journey toward becoming one of West Africa’s leading cultural tourism destinations.
“This festival is not only a celebration of music,” she said,
“It’s a celebration of our identity, our resilience, and our unity as one nation.”
Tickets for the main events on November 28, 29, and 30 are available through official festival outlets.
