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.


Samza – #8

Frank Samza Serry, better known as Samza, stands as a luminary figure within Sierra Leone’s vibrant music sphere. A multifaceted artist, he’s not only an award-winning rapper and skilled songwriter but also an adept executive producer, accountant, and enterprising entrepreneur.

His journey into the music realm sprouted from Saint Augustine in Tintafor Lungi, where he honed his academic prowess and discovered his knack for rhymes and beats. Venturing into NJALA University, Samza’s passion for music ignited, dominating rap battles and ascending to fame with his irresistible Krio style, a collaboration with his close friend Kracktwist, further elevating his profile.

The pinnacle came with his signing to the prestigious KME label, birthing chart-topping hits like “Thop” and collaborating with local stars and international artists.

However, the narrative shifted when Samza branched into a solo career, after a split with his long time music partner Kracktwist.

This year he released The “On God” album which marks his first solo act, after sharing a long journey with fellow rapper, Kracktwist

The On God” album, a 15-track opus that signifies his individual musical evolution post-partnership with Kracktwist features a blend of collaboration from local talent and an international flair, showcasing his diverse musical palette.

The rapper made a total of seven collaborations on the album, featuring Terror D in the songs titled “See”, “Behind the Scene” together with Menace D General, “Take It” a collaboration with Markmuday, “Something” featuring Pitwizzy, “Girls” together with Jooel, “Put U Body” collaborating with Mello Seven and including one international feature, Zimbabwe’s Kuda MIC on the song titled “Go Big”.

Despite separation from his musical companion after their sojourn in Australia, Samza continues to make waves from his current base in Perth, Western Australia. His collaborative spirit and dedication to crafting meaningful music reflect his enduring impact and enduring legacy within Sierra Leonean entertainment.