Freetown — The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has officially confirmed Jamaican dancehall star Busy Signal as the headliner for the second edition of the One Nation Reggae Festival, set for 25–30 November 2026.
The announcement marks a major boost for the growing cultural event, which builds on the success of the inaugural festival in 2025.
That first edition drew large crowds across the Western Area, featured international acts including Sizzla Kalonji, Christopher Martin and Queen Ifrica, and generated significant economic activity while supporting local talent and heritage initiatives.
Busy Signal, born Reanno Devon Gordon in Saint Ann, Jamaica, is one of the leading voices in contemporary dancehall and reggae. He rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with hits such as “Step Out,” “Tic Toc,” “Nah Go A Jail Again” and “Unknown Number,” and has collaborated with global artists including Major Lazer and No Doubt. Known for his energetic stage presence and versatile style that blends hard-edged dancehall with smoother reggae, his booking is expected to deliver high-energy live performances that will resonate strongly with Sierra Leonean audiences.
The six-day festival, organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the Reggae Union of Sierra Leone and partners, continues under the theme “Shared Roots, Shared Rhythm — One Love, One Vibe.” It celebrates the historical and cultural connections between Sierra Leone and the Caribbean, rooted in shared histories of resilience, emancipation and the unifying power of reggae — recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Activities are expected to span multiple locations in the Western Area and will include main-stage concerts featuring both international and local artists, workshops, cultural showcases, heritage experiences and community engagement. Sierra Leonean performers from the Reggae Union and other local acts will share the stage, continuing the festival’s focus on nurturing homegrown talent alongside global stars.
The 2025 edition demonstrated the event’s potential: it attracted strong attendance, stimulated spending in hospitality and related sectors, and channelled proceeds toward a planned Creative Village and national revenue contributions. Organisers aim to expand this model in 2026, further positioning Sierra Leone as a destination for cultural tourism and people-to-people links between Africa and the Caribbean.
Tickets and full lineup details are expected to be announced in the coming months. For now, the countdown is on.
