By: Bintu Turay
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has officially announced the launch of the One Nation Reggae Festival, a six-day cultural and musical showcase aimed at promoting unity, heritage, and creative expression in Sierra Leone. The announcement came during a press briefing led by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Farida Tunis, and the Director of Culture and Creativity, Mr. Foday Jalloh.
Minister Tunis described the upcoming festival as part of the government’s broader agenda to use tourism and culture as catalysts for national cohesion, economic growth, and global visibility.
“This year, we are rolling out activities that highlight culture, conservation, and community,” she said. “The One Nation Reggae Festival is a major platform that celebrates our creativity and positions Sierra Leone as a hub for cultural tourism.”
She further explained that reggae was selected as the festival’s central theme due to its universal message of unity, resilience, love, and spirituality. The genre is globally recognized and is listed by UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage.
“Reggae has the power to bring people together. It cuts across age groups, backgrounds, and nationalities,” the Minister said.
Promoting Culture, Tourism, and Heritage
The festival is expected to boost Sierra Leone’s creative industries, strengthen cross-cultural exchange, and showcase the country’s historical and heritage tourism assets.
Scheduled to run from November 23 to 30, the One Nation Reggae Festival will feature a wide range of activities, including concerts, cultural tours, creative workshops, and heritage immersion experiences.
The official launch ceremony will bring together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, business leaders, and international guest artists. The event will highlight Sierra Leone’s rich cultural identity through gastronomy, traditional music, and artistic performances.
Cultural Tours and Creative Workshops
Visitors will embark on guided tours of landmark heritage sites such as:
The Peace Museum
Old Fourah Bay College
The Cotton Tree precinct
St. John’s Maroon Church
The PUCL School
Other monumental sites across Freetown
These tours aim to reinforce Sierra Leone’s role in the transatlantic history of resilience and cultural exchange.
A “Creative Clinic” will connect musicians, producers, and cultural innovators to explore the development of a distinct Sierra Leonean sound rooted in traditional rhythms and local instruments.
Star-Studded Concert Lineup
The main concert will feature more than 10 international reggae artists performing alongside leading Sierra Leonean musicians.
International lineup includes:
Sizzla Kalonji (Headliner)
Christopher Martin
Queen Ifrica
DJ Awadi (Senegal)
Jah Fonda (Jamaica)
Danny Bless (Trinidad & Tobago)
Lukanal (Jamaica)
Arkay (Jamaica)
DJ SKS (Jamaica),
Local and regional artists such as Red Flag Muzik, Afri-Maroons, Rass Mykhal, La Shaker, Al Brain, Love Jones, Stuntman, Mufasa, and others will also perform.
Emerging talents including Makeda, Earth Warrior, DJ Khali, and Koti will share the stage, further promoting youth talent.
Community Engagement and Closing Ceremony
The festival will continue with a red-carpet event, a bonfire night, and community cultural activities in eastern Freetown. Over 70 local artists will be given performance slots to promote inclusivity and talent development.
The weeklong celebration will conclude with the White Heritage Party, featuring food, drinks, boat tours, and a guided visit to Bunce Island, Sierra Leone’s most significant slave-era fort.
Director Jalloh described Bunce Island as a “monument of global historical importance,” with strong ancestral links to the Gullah people of South Carolina and Georgia in the United States.
“Bunce Island is a powerful site of memory. Many enslaved Africans who passed through its gates were taken to the Americas. Through this festival, we symbolically welcome them home via the ‘Gate of Return,’” he said.
Ticket Pricing
Director Jalloh also announced the official ticket rates:
Early Bird (until Nov. 20): Le200,000
Regular (concert day): Le400,000
General Access (post-barricade): Le300,000
VIP: Le1,000,000
Deluxe VIP (DVIP): Le1,500,000
White Heritage Party (full package): Le3,000,000 A Landmark Moment for Tourism The Ministry emphasized that the One Nation Reggae Festival represents a major milestone for Sierra Leone’s tourism sector, reinforcing its position as a regional destination for cultural and entertainment events.
Minister Tunis concluded with an appeal for nationwide participation:
“We invite Sierra Leoneans, visitors, the private sector, and our partners to join us in celebrating our shared heritage and the power of culture to connect communities.”