Ellen Keister, the CEO and Founder of Reems Entertainment, a well-known figure in the country, has addressed a heartfelt open letter to fellow entertainers and fans nationwide.

Having made her mark on television with the popular show “Ur Airtel Playlist” and subsequently launching her own program, “Real Talk With Ellen Keister,” while overseeing Reems Services (SL) Limited, encompassing a record label and other entertainment services, Ellen Keister is well-versed in the industry’s challenges.

In response to the persistent issues facing the entertainment sector in the country, she has penned an open letter, urging unity and constructive change. In her letter, Keister advocates for a shift in the prevailing negative dynamics, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and support within the industry. She addresses the common practice of comparing the local entertainment scene to that of Nigeria, highlighting the unity and support among Nigerian entertainers and encouraging Sierra Leoneans to adopt a similar mindset.

Keister acknowledges the prevalence of drama and disagreements but advocates for maintaining a level of sophistication in handling conflicts. She expresses concern over the celebration of negative interactions on social media and urges entertainers to prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to followers and endorsements.

Additionally, Keister emphasizes the importance of collaboration with larger brands and notes that the negative perception associated with drama often deters potential endorsements from major companies. She stresses the need for the entertainment industry to focus on quality content and garner the support of reputable brands.

Addressing the fans, Keister encourages constructive criticism over tearing down fellow Sierra Leoneans. She emphasizes the potential impact of increased streaming on artists’ content and calls for a collective effort to support and uplift the local entertainment scene.

In conclusion, Ellen Keister expresses her hope for a positive and prosperous year, urging unity, support, and an elevated standard of excellence within the Sierra Leonean entertainment industry.

Her letter reads below:

“Let’s switch up the game a little bit. We all know our industry is struggling; the fights, the drama, etc. don’t really help us. I read, I follow, and most times I’m angry, but then most times I allow people to do them. We always compare ourselves to other people, especially Nigerians. I see what they do, and their support for each other is great, making them go bigger and bigger. Even if we don’t like each other, let’s show respect towards our work, energy, and effort. I come across individuals who ask for help when they have upcoming shows, but are they willing to share other people’s work and flyers? We are all petty, because I, for sure, will only promote and share flyers from people who don’t  support me. Its only fair. So therefore, it is essential that we follow each other. promoting each other’s work, DJ’s playing Salone music, and bloggers posting every piece of news (all publicity na publicity), but more so, we try to do it positively.

“There has been turmoil every year and no advancement. I’m not here to pass judgment or point fingers; this is for all of us. I think we can achieve great things if we make a small mental adjustment. Yes, we see large followings, and people become really excited by the numbers, but from these numbers, I believe that the people following you are not the real fans. Instead, they are individuals who have the intention of making fun of and abusing you. Why are we celebrating these individuals when, according to my estimation, 150 out of 200 comments are negative or abusive? It shouldn’t always be negative to have numbers, and if you notice when you post something good, the numbers drop, but when you post anything dramatic, the numbers go up, then we have a problem. Is that how we want to be celebrated? But I guess it’s a numbers game and numbers don’t lie.

“Drama is acceptable; don’t get me wrong, we need content, but keep it classy. Yes, I am aware that cool drama does not exist, but let’s give it a shot and see. Big companies refrain from endorsements due to their perception of negative energy. Even if I am fortunate, I understand that most of us are facing challenging times, and I speak with those in charge of these companies. When I suggest some entertainers, I hear what they have to say and pay attention to their remarks. To be honest, majority are unwilling to collaborate with us. Quality matters more than quantity, and we require the support of larger brands.

“The Fans- Criticizing someone is acceptable but tearing someone down is not a good way to do it. We, as Sierra Leoneans, must do better this year. How many people are consuming music, movies, talk shows, comedy skits from our comedians through streaming services? Data costs money, I know, but consider this: if a musician , tv show host, movie producers, comedians, uploads their content etc. and everyone takes their time to stream it once, that will increase the number of streams and give us money, which will enable us to be like the others.

“Stop making comparisons, show love and support.
We must do better in 2024 to achieve growth and excellence.. By this I’m saying, let’s just level up, support each other and see where it takes us.
One love! One Heart! One Sierra Leone!
Wishing you a year of positivity!
I come in peace!
Ellen Keister”