The year 2023 has been an interesting one for Sierra Leone’s music and Entertainment Industry.

From the outset of January until the present, this vibrant sector has witnessed an influx of new and talented artists, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s music landscape.

Some have made a lot of noise with their music, but only a handful of artistes had us putting their songs on repeat, making noise when a song came on and made a serious impact during the aforementioned time.

Sierraloaded, Sierra Leone’s leading platform re-introduced the “Hottest Artiste List” back in 2021. This annual tradition offers an unfiltered assessment of the artists who have not only shaped but also defined the musical landscape of Sierra Leone throughout the year.

The Hottest Artiste List meticulously highlights those entertainers who have achieved the most significant milestones. This includes artists who scored chart-topping hits, embarked on successful tours, made substantial moves in both the local and international music scenes, won prestigious awards, and, most importantly, the people we’ve listened to and danced to for the past 12 months.

In a year marked by artistic innovation and creative excellence, Sierra Leone’s music and entertainment industry continues to flourish, demonstrating the country’s immense talent and potential on both the national and international stages.

As the year draws to a close, Sierraloaded will systematically reveal the 20 Hottest Artiste in Sierra Leone starting from December 10. As you eagerly await the unveiling, be sure you are following Sierraloaded on social media platforms to celebrate these exceptional individuals who have made this year a sonically unforgettable one.

Kao Denero – #3

Over the past two decades, Kao Denero has exemplified unparalleled consistency in the Sierra Leone music scene, consistently delivering a high caliber of music, releasing quality content almost every year.

Hailed as the King of Freetown and serving as the CEO of Black Leo Entertainment, Amara Dennis Turay, famously known as Kao Denero, stands as one of the most influential figures in Sierra Leone’s music industry. His influence extends not only across Africa but beyond its borders.

In 2023, under Kao Denero’s guidance, the Office of the Entertainment Ambassador hosted a groundbreaking National Dialogue on Entertainment at the Freetown City Hall. Additionally, he embarked on the “Meet the People” tour, gracing organized shows across various parts of the country.

Notably, in November 2023, he clinched the Best Rap Artist award at the African Entertainment Awards in the USA and was honored with the International Recognition and Legendary Award by AWOL Europe. His nomination for the esteemed AFRICAN RAP AWARDS held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, further solidified his impact.

Throughout the year, Kao Denero continued to captivate audiences with a series of impactful releases, including “Veteran,” “Poison” featuring Kelltony (Kush Poison), “Survive” featuring Shatta Wale, and the remastered Propaganda mixtape. Notably, his politically poignant song “1961” gained immense attention during the June elections. Moreover, his unwavering support for the re-elected President of Sierra Leone was evident in his track “Upper Cut.”

Beyond his musical endeavors, Kao Denero announced plans for a groundbreaking streaming initiative aimed at fostering the growth of Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry. Amidst these achievements, he celebrated a personal milestone by tying the knot with his new wife, marking a harmonious blend of professional success and personal joy.

Kao Denero’s journey stands as a testament to unwavering dedication, artistic brilliance, and a commitment to elevating Sierra Leone’s music industry to greater heights.