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Sierra Leonean US Based Artist MDG (my Dearest Gift) has penned down a lengthy message asking why sierra Leonean Artists in the diaspora are never invited during ECOFEST
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Ecofest has been the biggest annual musical event in Sierra Leone. I’m pretty sure some of the goals of this event is to showcase OUR talents to OUR people, & the world, by placing them on the same stage as other African stars. Bridging the gap, building connections, trying to tap into the well of approximately $164million streaming revenue alone in the African music market, are all part of the goal.
My question is, why are Salone diasporan artists especially from the US never invited? Why are they being ostracized, are we not a part of the industry? Please correct me if I’m wrong but that’s just my observation.
Fyi, Do people really know that this zone has been the hub that has produced so many talented entertainers year after year? Some of the biggest names that have & still contributing immensely towrads the growth of our nation’s entertainment are from here. Btw massive love and respect to my gifted home based artists. Brothers and sisters, this post is NOT a shot at y’all. Moving on.
I have no problems with bigger African stars highlighting the Ecofest, but this is a Salone event on salone soil. You feel say we people dem nor wan see we? Or you nor go make profit pa we?
I can pick a handful of talented, hard working, passionate, salone artist from we corner that can rock any crowd in SALONE, and that’s Including myself. Yes I said it.
It really hurt sometimes when fans will inbox or comment asking if you’re coming home for the festivities during the holidays. Many use to look forward to that and slowly that trend died. Why? Not because of we lack music, but because of the gradual despondency due to low visionaries. Some of we the money and time wae we don spend on salone music just to contribute towards its elevation, could never be replenished. Sadly it’s hard to explain to a fan that most of their stars are 9 to 5ers that have bills to pay and can’t afford to make that trip every year.
I remember back in 2009, 10, & 11, Every chart especially Hiphop was topped by talented diasporans. Kao, Laj, Menace Da General, Supa Laj, Souferior, & later Shadow Boxxer & others. That trend boosted the industry so much and from there emerged most of the so called new school rappers that got inspired. Yes I said it. That trend died.
It’s dissapointing and unfair especially wae some of we still dae excel. The kine woke wae we dae put in that goes unnoticed by our own is preposterous. The intentional blindness and lack of respect for our own is part reason for our stunted growth. You go think say we people dem nor wan see we but you’ll be surprise how much they crave for our sound and presence. Befo you ask me about hit song, ask omos percent of we music dae play na we contri.
$25k for Falz is worth it. He’s an international African icon. But my thing is what are we trying to prove? Is it a race to show how many foreign stars you can present to our people? After Ecofest how does this impact our industry? I understand it’s one man’s idea, his finances and sponsorships, so his choice. Facts, but can we all grow?
I know few great artists from the diapora that’ll love to get an invite to visit home, perform for their people, all for a little amount. Maybe una bin reach out to some and they turned it down, I personally don’t know but I doubt it.
Lastly before you question wetin some of we don do lately, do research. I’m against beating your chest but this is called a resume. MDG, one of the most versatile, hard working and consistent artist in the diaspora. 2 years ago had the biggest Album release concert in the DMV that rejuvenated the spirits of many. Formulla was the biggest brand that inspired our community positively through music and fashion. Twice, I was the opener to a United Nations event, Africa Rise virtual concert & Africa Day. Guest performer for some of Afrobeat’s biggest stars like P Square & Flavour. This year alone I’ve had many appearances in and out of my community, successfully showcasing what Sierra leoneans can do, and I’m still working.
Some of us may not have the numbers or the views but I guarantee you, we got everything else that it takes to tap into that well. Una nor sidom tay all dreams die. Research about your own with an open mind and create business opportunities before that well closes.
Btw this message goes for Sierra Leoneans home and abroad. Those with the upper hand, financial power, & connections that can make dreams come true. Research, invest, & watch it come back ten fold. The foreign artists dem wae una dae hail so, how una fil say dem do am?
To conclude, I have nothing against the idea of Ecofest or its organizers. It is appreciated. As long as it eases the stress of my people through entertainment, I’m good. All love.
