Sierra Leone’s Entertainment Ambassador, Kao Denero, recently visited President Bio to submit key recommendations derived from the National Entertainment Conference held on October 26, 2023.

The conference brought together over 130 participants, including artists, media personalities, government agencies (MDAs), entertainment-related groups, and various stakeholders.

Themed “Empowering the Entertainment Industry: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Innovation, Economic Benefits, and Cultural Preservation,” the conference yielded insightful recommendations that Ambassador Kao Denero is optimistic will garner positive attention from the nation’s leader.

Several notable recommendations emerged from the discussions, with speakers ranging from individual artists to union and sector representatives. The key proposals include the establishment of an independent entertainment commission, agency, or secretariat to address challenges and foster industry growth. Additionally, there is a call for contemporary copyright laws to protect the intellectual property rights of entertainers, ensuring fair compensation and creative control.

The conference also emphasized the need for a state-of-the-art National Studio equipped with advanced facilities, promoting high-quality content creation nationwide. Collaboration between the government and the private sector was highlighted to support the entertainment and creative arts industry, fostering its development.

Ambassador Kao Denero shared ongoing collaborations with notable entertainment stakeholders in the USA, particularly on a streaming and monetization project, aiming to expand opportunities for local entertainers.

Other recommendations included rebranding the entertainment industry through innovative technology, capacity building for entertainers, expanding streaming opportunities globally, promoting Sierra Leone as a cultural and entertainment destination, and establishing grants and funding opportunities for entertainers and entrepreneurs.

The Office of Entertainment, led by Ambassador Kao Denero, expressed hope that the presented recommendations would receive due consideration and be implemented to further advance Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry.