AMPE-SL Rebuts Kao Denero’s Claims Over Independence Song Outreach

The Association of Music Producers and Engineers Sierra Leone has pushed back against claims by Entertainment Ambassador Kao Denero that he was never contacted concerning a proposed independence song project.

The dispute follows a statement from the ambassador’s office on 22 April 2026, in which he denied receiving any form of communication official or informal regarding participation in the initiative.

In response, AMPE-SL released what it described as documented evidence, including formal correspondence and WhatsApp exchanges, to demonstrate that multiple efforts were made to reach the artist.

According to the association, a letter dated 8 April 2026 was sent to the ambassador inviting him to collaborate on a project titled “Together We Rise,” noting that his involvement would add national significance to the production. The group further stated that follow-up messages were sent on 9 April by its Secretary General to confirm receipt of the letter.

AMPE-SL explained that its outreach extended beyond direct messaging, indicating that attempts were also made through the ambassador’s Public Relations Officer and via internal networks, including the association’s vice president.

Despite these efforts, the association said no response was received from the ambassador or his office. It added that it proceeded with project activities while assuming he may have been unavailable due to other commitments.

“We maintain records of all communications and remain open to future collaboration,” the association said in a public notice, emphasizing that it holds the ambassador in high regard.

However, in his earlier statement, Kao Denero rejected the association’s claims, insisting that there had been “no official letter, no text message, no phone call, and no direct or indirect communication regarding the project. He called for professionalism and urged that public claims be verified before dissemination.

The exchange highlights a growing disagreement between the parties over communication surrounding the independence-themed production, even as both sides express willingness to collaborate in the future.