Unity Broadcasting hosted the Kenema Boys musical group on a livestream event via Facebook and YouTube, where the duo discussed the inspiration behind their latest single, which has garnered significant attention nationwide.

The group, known for their advocacy through music, expressed their dissatisfaction with the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples’ Party (SLPP), despite being vocal supporters of the party.

The group’s leading vocalist, a staunch SLPP supporter, revealed that before releasing the song, they consulted with party officials regarding the concerns they raised about the poor living conditions in Kenema. However, these officials showed little interest in addressing the issues, with one reportedly dismissing their efforts, stating the group would struggle to finance the song’s promotion.

Despite their loyalty to the SLPP, the Kenema Boys noted that their song has been co-opted by the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) to criticize the government. The musicians said they have no regrets, arguing that the song serves as a reminder to the SLPP to correct its mistakes. They reiterated their dedication to national interest over party loyalty, emphasizing the importance of holding their party accountable.

While the group acknowledged receiving criticism from some SLPP supporters, they expressed relief that no threats had been made against them. They pointed out that in the past, releasing a song like this might have resulted in severe repercussions, especially in Kenema, a city known for its political tensions.

The musicians further claimed that only hypocritical SLPP members would condemn their song, asserting that constructive criticism is crucial for the party’s self-improvement. They emphasized that their music aims to give President Julius Maada Bio an opportunity to address ongoing issues in Kenema, offering him time to act on the concerns raised.

The Kenema Boys also hinted at potential meetings with government officials, though they stressed that their goal is to represent the needs of the Kenema people rather than pursue personal gain. Should the government take meaningful action to address the issues, the group suggested they might produce a counter-song, positioning themselves as the only artists capable of such a response.

Though critical of the SLPP, the group was adamant that their grievances stem from the lack of development in their city compared to the hardships endured during the APC’s 11-year rule.