Sierra Leone’s Entertainment Ambassador, Kao Denero, recently addressed a public dispute with popular comedian Yemata during an interview on Radio Democracy, where he also discussed key advancements in the country’s entertainment sector.

The controversy began when Yemata took to social media, accusing Kao Denero of involving him in a “fake program” for a U.S. performance tour.

In response, Kao Denero clarified that the allegations were baseless, stressing that there was no ill intent. “I’m still cool with Yemata and a fan of his work,” Kao remarked, suggesting that social media often amplifies misunderstandings for attention.

Kao explained that the performance tour, meant to feature Yemata and other artists, faced an unexpected hurdle at the U.S. Embassy. Yemata’s visa application was rejected due to discrepancies in his date of birth, linked to an earlier application submitted by his father. This led to the denial of visas for the entire group, but Kao reiterated that the tour was legitimate, not fraudulent, as suggested by Yemata’s posts. He added, “The program was real, but it was the visa issue that caused the problem, not any dishonesty on our part.”

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In addition to clearing up the misunderstanding, Kao Denero shared exciting developments in the entertainment industry. He revealed ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Lands regarding a potential allocation of a 15-acre plot near Waterloo for entertainment purposes.

Kao emphasized the significance of this project, explaining that securing the land would open the door for investors to help develop Sierra Leone’s entertainment infrastructure. “This will be a major win for the sector once the land is officially secured,” he stated, adding that the next steps would involve accelerating the land documentation process.

Despite the financial and logistical challenges facing the industry, Kao expressed optimism about overcoming these hurdles, particularly in securing investor interest and addressing the need for travel allowances during international engagements.

Kao also spoke candidly about the challenges Sierra Leonean artists encounter when performing abroad, particularly the difficulty of traveling with DJs due to financial constraints.

He pointed out that while Nigerian artists often earn substantial sums—between $200,000 and $300,000 per show—Sierra Leonean musicians typically receive much less, making it harder for promoters to cover additional costs like travel for DJs. Kao urged fans to be mindful of these realities and avoid direct comparisons with Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where artists benefit from larger financial backing.

In conclusion, Kao Denero highlighted the importance of patience and collaboration within the industry, stressing that while Sierra Leone’s entertainment scene faces obstacles, significant progress is being made. The potential land acquisition and the growing visibility of local artists are key steps toward transforming the sector.