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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.
Kracktwist – #7
Landing at #7 is the “Street General” himself, Ishmael Kamara (Kracktwist). In a year where impact was measured not just by streams but by tangible community influence, Kracktwist stood tall as a pillar of both culture and consciousness.
He kicked off 2025 by making a statement with the visuals for “Fix Ya,” a track from his critically acclaimed Figures of Speech EP. Surpassing 1 million views on Audiomack, the song set the tone for a year defined by lyrical depth and street relevance. But Kracktwist didn’t stop there; in May 2025, he dropped a gritty 5-track EP from his Wasasie Republic camp, featuring heavy hitters like Hugo Buss, Triple Hardest, and his longtime partner Samza.
His dominance wasn’t just in the recording booth. Kracktwist’s influence reached the highest levels of government. In August 2025, he hosted the Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, in the Crab Town slum community in Aberdeen. This wasn’t a photo op; it was a demonstration of his “Academy to the Streets” philosophy, bridging the gap between the ghetto and governance to advocate for youth empowerment.
Musically, he kept the streets fed with the release of “Mi Foot” from the Aunty Kadie EP, another anthem that resonated with the masses. His work was duly rewarded, as Figures of Speech took home “Album of The Year” at the National Social Awards, proving that substance still sells.
From sealing a brand ambassador deal with 1xBet Salone (and releasing their official anthem in November) to lighting up stages at Star Zee’s Ladies Fest and the Ministry of Mines’ Mining Carnival, Kracktwist proved that he is the complete package—artist, activist, and ambassador.
For his unique ability to command the respect of both the “alakis” in the street and the ministers in the cabinet, Kracktwist is the 7th Hottest Artiste in Sierra Leone 2025.
