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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.
Emmerson – #12
At #12 is the Last Man Standing, the hitmaker who refuses to age, Emmerson Amidu Bockarie. While many of his contemporaries have faded into nostalgia, Emmerson spent 2025 proving that his relevance is not just historical—it is current, global, and electrifying.
Known for decades as the voice of the people, 2025 saw Emmerson fully embrace his evolution into a global Afropop icon under Wynn Records. He traded the localized politics of Borbor Bele for international stages, delivering one of the most significant performances by a Sierra Leonean artist this year.
In February 2025, Emmerson took the stage at the Hawaii Festival 2025 (honoring Bob Marley’s 80th Birthday) at the Moanalua Gardens in Honolulu. Performing before thousands of spectators, he didn’t just participate; he commanded the crowd, proving that Sierra Leonean music translates across oceans.
Musically, he kept the pressure on. In June 2025, he dropped “Holy Water,” a smooth, Sean2 Miles-produced Afrobeats ballad that showcased his vocal maturity and romantic versatility. The track served as a reminder that Emmerson can stand toe-to-toe with the new school of melody makers.
His 2025 momentum was further powered by the cross-continental success of “Strawberries on Ice” featuring Nigerian megastar Davido. The track remained a staple on playlists throughout the year, boosting Emmerson’s profile across Africa and earning him spots at major international platforms, including the BET Experience, where he represented the Green, White, and Blue.
Emmerson remains the industry’s ultimate shapeshifter—mentoring the youth, collaborating with Africa’s biggest giants, and selling out festivals in the US. For successfully transitioning from a national conscience to a global ambassador, Emmerson is the 12th Hottest Artiste in Sierra Leone 2025.
