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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.
Mascot – #9
Breaking into the single digits at #9 is the relentless hitmaker, Ishmail Koroma, better known as Mascot. In 2025, Mascot didn’t just participate in the Afrobeats conversation—he drove it, establishing himself as one of the most consistent voices in the new wave of Salone music.
While others relied on one or two singles to carry them through the year, Mascot delivered a masterclass in consistency. His 2025 discography reads like a playlist of the year’s best vibes. Tracks like “Class,” “225,” “YE,” and “Crazy” showcased his ability to churn out radio-ready Afropop anthems that blend global production standards with distinct Sierra Leonean flavor.
His standout moment of the year was undoubtedly the release of “Nasty” featuring fellow new-school heavyweight Baby Bernard. The track gained massive traction on YouTube and streaming platforms, becoming a staple in clubs and on TikTok. It was the perfect synthesis of his style—infectious, danceable, and culturally grounded.
Mascot’s influence in 2025 extended heavily into the digital realm. He became a darling of the algorithms, with his music performing exceptionally well on AfroCharts, TikTok, and Facebook. Songs like “Den Do U?” and the romantic ballad “Nakupenda” found resonance not just in Freetown, but across the continent, proving that his sound has legs beyond the borders of Sierra Leone.
He represents the future of “global exportation” for the industry—an artist whose sound is polished enough for the world stage but authentic enough for the streets.
For his prolific output, his ability to dominate the digital space, and for keeping the playlists fresh all year round, Mascot is the 9th Hottest Artiste in Sierra Leone 2025.
