SLEMA to Launch National Gospel Music Competition in December 2026
Sahid Bangura The Sierra Leone Evangelical Mission Association (SLEMA) has announced plans to launch Salone Gospel Star 2026, a national gospel music competition aimed at discovering, nurturing and promoting emerging gospel music talents across Sierra Leone.
The competition, organised under the theme “Raising the Next Generation of Gospel Stars,” is scheduled to kick off on December 5, 2026, in Freetown. Applications are expected to open on November 1st and close on November 15th, 2026, according to the information released by the organisers.
SLEMA said the competition would provide a platform for aspiring gospel singers to showcase their talents, develop their musical abilities and connect with experienced professionals in the gospel music industry. The competition is open to both individual performers and gospel music groups.
The organisers have also announced cash prizes for the top three finalists. The first runner-up will receive Le10,000, the second runner-up Le5,000, and the third runner-up Le2,000. The prize packages will also include certificates from a recognised music label in Nigeria, with mentorship and collaboration opportunities with international music experts and artists included among the benefits for the top two prize recipients.
Popular artists from Nigeria are expected to serve as judges for the competition, bringing their experience and expertise to the selection of outstanding performers.
SLEMA said the initiative forms part of its efforts to identify promising gospel music talents, strengthen gospel music ministry and create opportunities for emerging artists to develop their careers while using their gifts to inspire communities.
The venue for the competition is yet to be confirmed, but the event is expected to take place in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Interested singers and gospel music groups can contact the organising team on WhatsApp at +232 76294676 or call +232 88130665 for further information. Enquiries can also be sent to [email protected].
Through Salone Gospel Star 2026, SLEMA aims to provide a platform for emerging gospel music talents and contribute to the growth and development of Sierra Leone’s gospel music industry.
The initiative carries the slogan “Discover. Nurture. Empower.”