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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.
Apreel – #15
At #15, we welcome the new face of Afro-fusion, Apreel. Since his breakout hit “O’Way” in 2024, this young Lad has proved he is here to stay, solidifying his status as one of Sierra Leone’s most promising musical exports.
Operating under the powerhouse label Eminence Africa Entertainment, Apreel spent the year refining a signature sound that is rare in today’s landscape: a seamless fusion of traditional Sierra Leonean rhythms with polished, radio-ready Afrobeats. He isn’t just making music for the clubs; he is crafting songs that carry the DNA of the culture.
His defining moment of the year came in September 2025 with the release of “Control.” Produced by the legendary Nashito Kulala, the track is a masterclass in duality—using traditional percussion to drive a modern love anthem. The song playfully inverts relationship dynamics, crowning the woman as the “captain,” a theme that resonated instantly with fans.
But it wasn’t just the audio that made waves; it was the strategy. Apreel unlocked the power of the digital footprint (a key criterion for this list) by launching a viral Open Verse Challenge for “Control” on TikTok and Instagram. This move didn’t just get people listening; it got them participating, turning the track into a collaborative social media moment that drove streams across Apple Music and Audiomack.
Apreel’s magic lies in his cross-generational appeal. His music sits comfortably in that sweet spot where older listeners recognize the cultural textures of home, while Gen Z connects with the catchy hooks and “clean” production.
With a warm vocal tone that feels like home and a marketing mind that is ready for the world, Apreel secures his spot as the 15th Hottest Artiste in Sierra Leone 2025.
