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.

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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.

Drizilik – #1

Taking the throne at #1 is the Modern Day King himself, Benjamin Menelik George, universally known as Drizilik. In 2025, Drizilik didn’t just compete; he operated in a league of his own, redefining what it means to be a Sierra Leonean artist on the global stage.

His year was a masterclass in strategy and execution, strictly powered by his signature Krio-Fusion sound. He kicked off 2025 with the release of the year’s most anticipated project, the “Wait and See” EP. Featuring international heavyweights like Da Cintra and Laioung, alongside local stars The Therapist and J. Lucia, the EP became the most listened-to project of 2025, amassing over 4 million plays on Audiomack. The lead single, “Lemonade,” accompanied by a classic visual, set the standard for video production in the industry.

But Drizilik’s 2025 story is best told through his international footprint. He shattered the glass ceiling in July 2025 by becoming the first Sierra Leonean artist to sell out the historic Howard Theater in Washington D.C., backed by his Freetown Uncut live band. He didn’t stop there; he took his show to London for another sold-out episode of “Drizilik Live in London,” proving his brand travels with full production value—band, DJ, and PR team included.

His visibility was unmatched. From gracing the BET Awards 2025 Red Carpet to headlining Amazon’s Summer Concert at their Virginia headquarters, Drizilik was everywhere. He even took over the airwaves on BBC Radio 1Xtra with DJ Edu, dropping freestyles that reminded the world of his lyrical prowess.

Back home, he remained the undisputed heavyweight champion. He shut down the FBC Amphitheater for his annual concert, delivered unforgettable performances at MuGomeh and Ecofest, and wrapped up the year with the street anthem “Sabi Road.” The track became a viral sensation, earning a co-sign from Nigerian mogul Mr Eazi on TikTok and racking up over 350,000 plays in just weeks.

Beyond the music, Drizilik secured a prestigious U.S. O-1B visa (reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability), maintained mega-deals with UBA, Orange, and Mercury International, and ran the most professional merchandising operation in the country.

For successfully exporting the Freetown sound to the world, for selling out historic venues in the US and UK, and for consistently raising the bar of professionalism in the industry, Drizilik is the undisputed #1 Hottest Artiste in Sierra Leone 2025.