On 27 April 2012, Sierra Leone made history by achieving its first Guinness world record.

The West African country broke the title for the Largest Sampa dance in the nation’s capital, Freetown.

Dancers from schools across the city came together to perform a synchronized Sampa dance, a traditional folk dance in Sierra Leone, at the Brookfields National Stadium.

The event was organized by the Mariatu Kargbo Foundation as part of the celebrations for Sierra Leone’s national Independence Day.

The dance attracted 1,002 dancers who all completed the routine, impressing the official Guinness World Records adjudicator. The previous record for the largest Sampa dance was held by Senegal with 870 dancers.

Sierra Leone’s achievement was hailed as a significant milestone for the country, which has been working towards promoting its cultural heritage. The successful record attempt was a testament to the nation’s unity, diversity, and rich cultural heritage.