Ambassador Kao Denero (born Amara Denis Turay), Sierra Leone’s renowned hip-hop icon and Special Envoy for Entertainment and Investment, used the high-profile platform of the Old Bo Boys Association (OBBA) annual gala, celebrating its milestone edition, to deliver far more than a routine ceremonial address.
He issued a firm, strategic call for discipline, responsibility, and cultural grounding in the country’s rapidly evolving entertainment industry.
Speaking before a distinguished audience that included President Julius Maada Bio and prominent OBBA alumni, the Entertainment Ambassador addressed the growing tension between global influences and local realities.
He cautioned Sierra Leonean creatives, particularly emerging “newskool” artists, against uncritically adopting foreign lifestyles and trends that clash with the nation’s cultural values, legal framework, and social norms.
“Dis na Sierra Leone, nor be America,” he emphasized, underscoring that while creativity and global ambition should be encouraged, they must never come at the expense of respect for society, dignity, and the rule of law.
Kao Denero, who has long positioned himself as a consistent voice for responsible artistry through his Black Leo Records imprint, stressed that true talent must be paired with accountability.
He described the moment as a necessary “wake-up call” for the sector, urging artists to build a distinct Sierra Leonean creative identity rather than merely imitating external models.
The speech, widely described as blunt yet strategic, has sparked both support and debate across the entertainment space. It aligns with Kao Denero’s broader efforts, through national dialogues, producers’ retreats, and advocacy for prioritizing local talent in events, to professionalize and elevate the industry while preserving its authenticity.
As one of Sierra Leone’s most decorated and internationally recognized hip-hop artists, his message carries significant weight, positioning him as both a mentor and a guardian of the sector’s direction.
In essence, his core message remained clear and unwavering: creativity must thrive, but always within the boundaries of responsibility, cultural pride, and respect for Sierra Leonean society. The address has already ignited conversations about the future balance between innovation and tradition in the nation’s booming creative economy.
