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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.
Baby Bernard – #17
Ibrahim Bernard Turay, professionally known as Baby Bernard, is one of the fast-rising Afrobeat voices emerging from eastern Freetown. Ranked No. 17 on our list of the 20 Hottest Artists in Sierra Leone, his placement reflects strong grassroots momentum, increasing industry recognition, and a notable presence in some of 2025’s most talked-about collaborations.
Born and raised in eastern Freetown, Baby Bernard developed his musical foundation during his school years at Amaria Municipal Primary School and Albert Academy Secondary School. Influenced by both peers and established local acts, he began shaping a sound that blends contemporary Afrobeat with distinctly Sierra Leonean rhythms and street-level storytelling.
His early exposure to the industry came through Chuck Nation, where he gained performance and studio experience, before signing with Kay Squad Music. Under the label, Baby Bernard has released a string of energetic singles and participated in collaborative projects that have helped expand his audience across Freetown and beyond.
In 2025, Baby Bernard has emerged as one of the most in-demand featured artists, appearing on several of the year’s trending songs. His features on tracks such as “Nasty” and “Goal” have enjoyed heavy rotation and strong street appeal, further cementing his reputation as a versatile collaborator capable of elevating hit records.
His solo catalogue includes tracks such as “Pull Han,” “Borbor” (featuring Ricky D Don), “FOS TEM,” “How You Go Feel,” and “Any Tem,” showcasing infectious hooks, dancefloor-ready production, and a sound that resonates strongly with young audiences. His rising profile was further underscored by a Next Rated Act nomination at the National Entertainment Awards, signalling growing national attention.
Beyond music, Baby Bernard has expressed plans to further his education at the University of Sierra Leone, balancing academic aspirations with his artistic ambitions. As his catalogue grows and his collaborative reach expands, he continues to position himself as a key part of the next generation shaping Sierra Leone’s Afrobeat movement.
With steady releases, strong local support, and a growing presence on major 2025 hits, Baby Bernard’s inclusion at No. 17 highlights an artist on an upward trajectory one whose influence is increasingly felt across the country’s evolving music scene.
