The Sierra Leone Entertainment Industry and Its PAOPA 4 betteh Under President Bio.
By: Edward Dictionary Caulker
One of the slogans of President Bio’s campaign is “Paopa Salone for betteh,” a creole expression meaning “By force Sierra Leone must grow”. Entertainers and media practitioners eagerly anticipate the impact of President Bio’s second term on Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry, hoping for dedicated attention to its development.
Since assuming office in 2018 and winning re-election in 2023, President Bio has consistently emphasized the need to foster the entertainment sector. A notable event occurred on Saturday, July 25th, 2020, when stakeholders from Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry convened with President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio at State Lodge, Hill Station, Freetown. The meeting aimed to explore avenues for collaborative growth between the government, the First Lady’s Office, and entertainment stakeholders. According to Foday Moriba Conteh of Calabash newspaper on July 30th, 2020, President Bio assured the industry of his government’s commitment to support its development, promising a framework document from stakeholders and a COVID-19 Stimulus Fund to mitigate pandemic-induced losses.
However, despite these assurances, four years on, little tangible progress has materialized. The appointment of Amara Dennis Turay, known as Kao Denero, as Special Envoy for Entertainment and Investment initially held promise but has since yielded minimal results. Reflecting on the industry’s current state, popular DJ and entertainment journalist Prezo Koroma recently rated its status a modest 6/10.
Nonetheless, the Sierra Leonean entertainment sector holds vast potential as a significant contributor to the national economy, capable of generating numerous job opportunities.
In my assessment, the Office of the Entertainment Ambassador appears ineffective (“wan man geng”), signaling a need for President Bio to consider alternative strategies for industry advancement. Issues such as internal disputes and power struggles among entertainers further complicate matters.
To enhance Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry, the Bio administration could consider several key strategies:
- Financial Support: Implement policies offering loans, grants, and intervention funds to bolster local talents and businesses within the industry.
- Legislative Reform: Enact the Copyright Act to provide a legal framework that includes tax incentives and protections against piracy, crucial for protecting artists’ intellectual property rights and stimulating growth.
- Infrastructure Investment: Prioritize building modern venues and facilities across all regions, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support large-scale performances and film production.
- Improving Internet Infrastructure: Enhance internet speed and affordability to facilitate the distribution and consumption of digital content, thereby boosting revenue for creators.
- Establishment of a Ministry of Entertainment: Create a dedicated ministry to oversee the industry’s development, including professional training programs and strategic support for marketing and financial management.
Implementing these strategies could transform Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry into a thriving economic sector, benefiting both the nation’s economy and its citizens. Such efforts require substantial investment and collaboration between the government and private sector, aimed at promoting Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage and talent globally.
