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The wait is finally over. After a strategic one-year hiatus, the most anticipated ranking in Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry has returned—bigger, sharper, and more comprehensive than ever before.
The year 2025 has been a defining era of resilience and global exportation for Salone music. From the outset of the year until now, we have witnessed our sound break new boundaries. From artists dominating international tours to the rise of viral sensations who captured the streets, the competition for the top spot has never been fiercer.
Sierraloaded is proud to present the 20 Hottest Artiste in Sierra Leone (2025 Edition). This list remains an undiluted assessment of the industry, meticulously documenting the last 12 months. We have looked beyond the noise to identify the true movers of the culture—evaluating musical impact, digital footprint across all major streaming platforms, offline reach, and brand value.
This isn’t just a ranking; it is a celebration of the voices that defined the year. As we countdown from December 10 to the grand reveal of the #1 Artiste on December 30, we invite you to join the debate using #SaloneHottest.
The stage is set. The music has been heard. Here are the exceptional individuals who ruled the year.
Star Zee – #16
Sierra Leone’s music scene has produced many iconic voices, and Linda Samai, popularly known as Star Zee, remains one of its most enduring and influential figures. Ranked No. 16 on our list of the 20 Hottest Artists in Sierra Leone, Star Zee’s placement reflects a powerful blend of legacy, consistency, and continued relevance in today’s music landscape.
Born and raised in Freetown, Star Zee rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a member of the pioneering female rap group Ladies Day Out, where her fierce delivery and commanding presence quickly set her apart.
Her transition into a solo career saw her evolve into a genre-bending artist, seamlessly blending dancehall, hip-hop, Afrobeats, reggae fusion, and indigenous Sierra Leonean sounds.
Her catalogue includes some of the country’s most recognisable hits, such as “Catch Fire,” “Turn Up,” “Big Business,” and “Level Ya.” The remix of “Catch Fire” featuring Nigerian star Patoranking marked a defining moment in her career, expanding her reach beyond Sierra Leone and into the wider West African music space.
In recent years, Star Zee has maintained her presence with notable releases including “Life,” “Boss Chick,” “Champion,” “God Nor Go Shame Us,” and the street-favourite “Kpokpo.” These tracks enjoyed strong digital traction and club rotation, reaffirming her ability to connect with both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners.
Beyond the music, Star Zee’s influence extends into female empowerment and mentorship, where she is widely recognised for paving the way for women in Sierra Leone’s male-dominated music industry. Her consistency, cultural impact, and continued visibility justify her position among the country’s hottest artists today.
