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The highly anticipated One Nation Reggae Festival officially launched on Tuesday at the Bintumani Hotel, beginning a six-day cultural journey celebrating the deep historical and artistic ties between Sierra Leone and the Caribbean.
The festival, which runs from November 25 to 30, 2025, is positioned as an annual platform for unity, creativity, and cultural renaissance, aligning with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs’ (MTCA) Year of Ecotourism Campaign 2025.
The launch follows the high-profile arrivals of international reggae heavyweights, confirming Freetown’s growing status as a major entertainment hub:
Sizzla Kalonji, an international reggae icon, arrived on November 23.
Queen Ifrica, the “Queen of reggae music,” arrived on November 24, adding a powerful cultural dimension to the lineup.
Christopher Martin, the reggae powerhouse known for his smooth vocals, also touched down safely at Freetown International Airport.
The opening day, described as an “elegant opening night,” features fashion, gastronomy, bubu & gumbe rhythms, and Afro-Caribbean arts.
The full six-day cultural journey includes a mix of heritage, music, and community engagement:
| Date | Event | Location | Focus |
| Nov 25 (Day 1) | Official Launch | Bintumani Hotel | Opening night featuring fashion, gastronomy, and Afro-Caribbean arts. |
| Nov 26 (Day 2) | Freedom Heritage Tour | Freetown to Kent | Guided journey through historic sites of liberation, storytelling, and ancestral memory. |
| Nov 27 (Day 3) | Creative Clinic | Bintumani Hotel | Reggae producers meet bubu & gumbe masters for live fusion sessions. |
| Nov 28 (Day 4) | Reggae Festival Concert | Radisson Blu Garden | The main event, featuring international and national artists on one stage. |
| Nov 30 (Day 6) | All White Heritage Celebration | Bunce Island | A reflective day with guided tours, cultural performances, and a symbolic libation ceremony. |
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the festival aims to position Sierra Leone as a leading cultural destination while creating economic opportunities for local creatives. The event will also support the establishment of a Creative Village to train and empower young people in various arts.
With reggae recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, organizers say the festival celebrates the spiritual connection between Sierra Leone and the Caribbean while promoting social cohesion and cultural pride across the nation.
Beyond culture, the event is set to have a significant economic impact, generating jobs and stimulating spending across hospitality, transportation, and small businesses. Furthermore, 15% of all ticket sales will be paid as taxes to the Government of Sierra Leone, directly contributing to public revenue and national development.
The festival also supports President Julius Maada Bio’s campaign against drug abuse, using reggae’s positive influence to promote social cohesion and empower young people.
