Freetown, Sierra Leone – April 10, 2026 – Renowned Sierra Leonean hip-hop artist Alhaji Amadu Bah, popularly known as King Boss LA (also referred to as LAJ), has released an open letter expressing deep regret and offering a formal apology for an emotional outburst during a performance in Bo City on March 21, 2026.
In the letter dated April 9, 2026, addressed to the Mayor of Kenema, the people of Kenema (Kenematonians), and Sierra Leoneans at large, King Boss LA acknowledged that his words and actions failed to uphold the standards of respect and unity expected from a public figure.
He took full responsibility for the incident, which reportedly involved insulting remarks directed at Kenema City Council Mayor Thomas Baio (also referred to as Thomas Karimu Baio), including allegations that he called the mayor a “bastard child” in a video that circulated on social media.
“I write this letter with deep humility and sincere regret regarding my emotional outburst that occurred in Bo on March 21st, 2026,” the artist stated. He extended a heartfelt apology to Mayor Baio, the residents of Kenema, and all Sierra Leoneans who felt disrespected, hurt, or disappointed.
King Boss LA, a prominent figure in Sierra Leone’s music scene known for hits like “Money Na Bank” and recognized by many as a Peace Ambassador, emphasized that he had no intention of creating division or undermining the mayor’s dignity. “As a public figure, I understand the weight of my words,” he wrote, promising that such utterances would not recur.
He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace, unity, and mutual respect across the country and humbly sought understanding and forgiveness as he learns from the experience.
The letter concluded with a simple “Thank You!” signed by Alhaji Amadu Bah (King Boss LA).
Background to the Controversy
The apology comes amid ongoing legal proceedings. King Boss LA and associate Ibrahim Koroma (Prezo Koroma) face charges under the Cyber Security and Crime Act, 2021, related to the circulation of the video. They reportedly tendered an apology in Bo court earlier this week, with King Boss LA even kneeling in a gesture of remorse; however, the magistrate declined to settle the matter immediately and remanded the pair until April 14, 2026, for the case to proceed.
The incident is said to stem from tensions possibly linked to an earlier confrontation along the Bo–Kenema Highway in 2024. The outburst during the Bo performance quickly sparked widespread discussion on social media and in local media, drawing mixed reactions from fans and critics.
King Boss LA’s public letter appears to respond to calls from some quarters in Kenema for a more visible, social media-based apology beyond the courtroom.
As one of Sierra Leone’s influential cultural figures and leader of the Red Flag Movement (RFM), King Boss LA’s statement highlights the responsibilities that come with public influence in a nation that values unity. Many observers see this as an attempt to de-escalate tensions and rebuild bridges, particularly between the artist and the people of Kenema.
