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Sierra Leone’s Entertainment Ambassador, Kao Denero, has issued a strong warning to the country’s creative community, urging artists to exercise discipline and respect for the law following the high-profile arrest and remand of rapper Boss LAJ over alleged insults directed at the Mayor of Kenema.
Speaking at the Old Bo Boys Association (OBBA) annual gala on April 4, 2026 — an event attended by President Julius Maada Bio and other dignitaries — Kao Denero delivered what he described as a necessary “wake-up call” to the entertainment industry.
“Dis na Sierra Leone, nor be America,” the Special Envoy for Entertainment and Investment told the audience, cautioning artists against blindly adopting foreign lifestyles that clash with the nation’s cultural values and legal framework.
While not directly naming LAJ, Kao Denero’s remarks came just days after the rapper’s legal troubles intensified. His message was clear: creativity must thrive, but not at the expense of respect for society and the law.
“Artistes coming up should be mindful and respectful. We should be mindful of words and actions as we continue to entertain the people,” he said.
The Entertainment Ambassador’s address follows the arrest and remand of Alhaji Amadu Bah, popularly known as Boss LAJ or King Boss LA, a government-appointed Peace Ambassador.
LAJ was arrested on March 30, 2026, at Freetown International Airport while reportedly attempting to travel to The Gambia. He was subsequently transferred to Bo under police escort after a bench warrant was issued for his failure to appear in court.
The rapper now faces six criminal charges, up from the original three, after he allegedly referred to Kenema City Mayor Thomas Karimu Baio as “a bastard” during a live performance at the Bo City Shopping Plaza on March 21, 2026.
During a court appearance on April 1, 2026, Magistrate Samuel James Brima denied LAJ bail, and he was remanded at the Bo Male Correctional Centre . The matter has been adjourned to April 8, 2026 .
LAJ’s defence team has challenged the proceedings, arguing that the criminal summons was improperly served via WhatsApp — a method they claim is not recognized under Sierra Leone’s Criminal Procedure Act 2024 .
Defence lawyer Madieu Sesay also denied claims that his client was attempting to flee the country, stating that LAJ was preparing for a scheduled performance on April 24 and was unaware of any pending court matter.
Lead prosecutor Mohamed Monya Sheriff argued that due diligence had been carried out and warned that the court may consider LAJ a flight risk given the circumstances of his arrest
