The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, has told journalists at a press conference at the Ministry’s Kingharman Road headquarters in Freetown that the concluded six‑day “One Nation Reggae Festival” was successful as “NLe 230,130 was paid directly to the National Revenue Authority (NRA)…. NLe 767,100 was earmarked for the establishment of a Creative Village, and USD10,000 was donated to support hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica”.
She noted that, “The Festival was not just about music; it was about building frameworks that strengthen our creative economy and reinforce Sierra Leone’s position as a destination for international cultural investment”. She added that the Festival was an extension of the Ministry’s ongoing “Tourism for All” and “Year of Ecotourism” campaigns — initiatives aimed at connecting culture, conservation, and community while showcasing Sierra Leone’s creative industries.
Madam Nabeela Tunis stated that, “The One Nation Reggae Festival is one of those innovative platforms through which we are promoting unity, love, and resilience — values that reggae music represents,” adding that the Festival formed “part of the government’s strategic efforts to drive international traffic into Sierra Leone through arts, culture, and entertainment.”
According to Francis Momoh, the Coordinator of the Festival, the financial outcomes were part of a deliberate strategy to ensure the event left a lasting legacy. “We wanted to move beyond a one‑off celebration. By channeling proceeds into structured initiatives, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth in the cultural sector,” he stated.
At the press conference also was the Director of Culture, Creativity and Innovation, Foday Jalloh, who chaired the programme. He gave a summary of the six-day cultural fusion, noting its impacts on local communities and its role in strengthening Sierra Leone’s cultural ties with the Caribbean. He also emphasized that the energy, creativity, and professionalism displayed during the Festival had set a benchmark for future editions and positioned Sierra Leone as a destination for world-class cultural events.
In their presentations, Bai Dawa Sesay and the founder of Inkee Media, Ishmeal Bull explained the production and branding processes that were involved leading to the Festival itself. Mr Sesay gave details of the selection of Sierra Leonean performers, the creation of the unique “Troupe Beat” using traditional instruments, and the Festival’s aim to position Sierra Leone as the reggae capital of Africa. Mr Bull, on his part, highlighted the significance of branding, noting that the Festival’s logo, proudly featuring the Jamaican flag, had gained international recognition.
It could be recalled that it was the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, that hosted the “One Nation Reggae Festival”, which ran from 25 to 30 November 2025 and featured a diverse lineup of events across Freetown and Bunce Island. It was designed to celebrate Sierra Leone’s shared heritage with the Caribbean and strengthen the country’s growing reputation as a vibrant tourism destination.