One Nation Reggae Festival Generates Revenue, Boosts Creative Industry and Supports International Relief
The One Nation Reggae Festival has generated significant financial returns and cultural dividends for Sierra Leone, with proceeds earmarked for national revenue, creative industry development, and international humanitarian support, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry’s headquarters on Kingharman Road, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, disclosed that the festival contributed 230,130 New Leones (NLe) to the National Revenue Authority, allocated 767,100 NLe toward the establishment of a Creative Village to support local artists, and donated USD 10,000 to Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in Jamaica.
Minister Tunis described the festival as a strategic investment in Sierra Leone’s cultural economy, noting that the initiative aligns with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s agenda of promoting creativity, innovation, tourism, and private-sector-led growth. She emphasized that government support for the festival was partial, underscoring a deliberate policy shift toward sustainability and private-sector participation in the creative and tourism sectors.
The six-day One Nation Reggae Festival, designed to fuse Sierra Leonean and Caribbean cultures, featured live performances, cultural exchanges, workshops, and community engagement activities. The event attracted international artists and audiences, further positioning Sierra Leone as an emerging destination for large-scale global cultural events.
Permanent Secretary Judith Jones described the festival as a landmark addition to the country’s cultural calendar, while Francis Momoh, Research Officer at the Monuments and Relics Commission (MRC) and Festival Coordinator, outlined the historical and conceptual foundations of the event, highlighting Sierra Leone’s role in global emancipation and its cultural links to the Caribbean.
Director of Culture, Creativity and Innovation Foday Jalloh said the festival had a tangible impact on local communities and strengthened cultural ties between Sierra Leone and the Caribbean. He noted that the level of professionalism displayed by artists and organizers set a new benchmark for future cultural events in the country.
Presentations by Baidawa Sesay and Ishmeal Bull, founder of Inkee Media, detailed the festival’s production and branding strategy. Sesay explained the selection of local performers and the development of the distinctive “Troup Beat,” which blends traditional Sierra Leonean instruments with reggae rhythms. Bull highlighted the international visibility gained through the festival’s branding, including its logo featuring the Jamaican flag.
Minister Tunis commended local artists for their discipline and professionalism, citing early rehearsals and unrestricted collaboration with international performers as evidence of Sierra Leone’s openness, peace, and cultural maturity.
The press conference concluded with a question-and-answer session with journalists, as the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the One Nation Reggae Festival as a platform for cultural diplomacy, economic growth, and creative industry development.
